The prettiest bridges on the Rideau are arguably the timber kingpost truss swing bridges, such as the one at Upper Nicholsons lockstation. This is a centre bearing design and, as the picture shows, is easily swung by one person simply pushing the bridge.
Of the 39 bridges along the canal, four are of this specific design. The kingpost truss bridge is the earliest form of truss used in bridge building. It consists of a centre vertical post, the kingpost, with a diagonal brace on each side, forming two triangles. Their basic structure has been maintained on the Rideau Canal since 1864.
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