Lockport, New York: Upside-Down Bridge

Unusual design of 1902 iron truss bridge perpetuates a story -- which may or may not be true -- that the railroad built it this way to block tall ships delivering goods on the canal.

Address:: Clinton St., Lockport, NY
Directions:: Visible from below on the west bank at the end Clinton St. - some parking and picnic tables - down to the Erie Canal Heritage Trail. Or view from the locks.

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Upside-Down Bridge

The bridge is best seen from Upson Park off of Clinton St., but the park is not marked and is a bit hard to locate.

[Dwight, 06/01/2021]

Upside-down bridge.

Upside-Down Bridge

I made it a point to visit this bridge in order to photograph a train passing over the bridge -- something that proved to be elusive up until October 7th!

There is also a zip line running from one side of the Erie Canal to the opposite side.

[Thom, 10/16/2017]

Upside-Down Bridge.

Upside-Down Bridge

This is an unusual bridge, that was actually built upside down, that sits on the historic Erie Canal. It is used for trains still today, and can be walked across. I was told the rail company built it this way to prevent large loads of goods being carried by boat on the canal, monopolizing more trade through the rail system. Very interesting and almost comical to look at. Can be viewed from the locks on Route 31.

[James, 04/30/2013]

This inverted Howe Truss bridge was built in 1902, accommodating a single set of railroad tracks. The upside-down story may be a legend; apparently the design is not unique, but pretty rare. It's known locally as the Upside-Down Bridge, so that's good enough for us!