A CN train bridge outside of Fort Frances has collapsed.
It happened just east of Couchiching First Nation on Wednesday afternoon.
The lift bridge crosses over Rainy Lake and connects CN to the Port of Thunder Bay.
Boaters go under it to access the lake’s north end.
Photos on Facebook posted by Rainy Lake Boat Taxi and the Rainy Lake Property Owners Association show the bridge is now sitting only a couple of feet above Rainy Lake.
Twisted metal now blocks the tracks.
Well that’s the end of the 100 plus year old lift bridge. It collapsed this afternoon. Won’t be in operation for a long time
Posted by Rainy Lake Boat Taxi on Wednesday, August 14, 2024
CN Bridge “ 5 Mile Bridge “collapsed on the Canadian side of Sand Bay.
Posted by Rainy Lake Property Owners Association on Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Both CN and the town of Fort Frances say there were no trains involved and no one was injured.
An email from CN to Acadia News says the cause is still under investigation.
A post by Rainy Lake Boat Taxi indicates a train had just crossed the bridge before the collapse.
In a separate release, the town says it is monitoring the situation and is prepared to activate its Emergency Control Group if necessary.
Boaters are being advised to avoid the area.
