Main Street Lift Bridge

Rt 250 and the Erie Canal, Fairport NY 14450

Photo taken in 2010

“One of Most Unusual Bridges in NYS”

In the 1976 survey of the Village of Fairport by the Landmark Society, the bridge was ranked in a category of “one of the most unusual bridges in New York State” and having “great” importance to the neighborhood. The circa 1914 bowstring structure is a unique feature in the Village.

Cultural Significance

In addition, the bridge has cultural significance as the latest of a series of bridges crossing over the Erie Canal at this place since the canal opened in 1825. The local historic designation in December of 2009, includes the bridge control house and the stairs on the east side serving the canal towpath.

Photo of bridge looking north

No Two Angles the Same

The bridge was designed by F. P. Williams. It has no two angles the same and there are no square corners on the bridge. The 139 foot long bridge was built with a 4% grade and a 32 degree skew to the canal it crossed. It was rehabilitated in 1988. The original decking was wood which was replaced with open steel grating.

Above and below photos show the building of bridge in 1914. 
Provided by the Town Historian

Main Street Lift Bridge in 1978. Photo provided by the Town Historian