1

The Playter family built the first documented bridge across the Don River in 1794. This picturesque structure consisted of a butternut tree, fallen across the river, with leaves still growing on its branches.

Throughout the nineteenth century several structures bridged the Don, but there was no crossing north of Gerrard Street.

2

Prince Edward Viaduct under construction
1918
Don Valley, Toronto

3

The proposal to connect Danforth Avenue with downtown Toronto was controversial. The estimated cost of construction escalated to $2,500,000 in 1913 and was considered prohibitive by residents. Many called it the "bridge to nowhere," as the Danforth was so sparsely populated. The construction of the bridge was defeated by two plebiscites, but was finally approved on January 1, 1913.

4

Work began on January 7, 1915. The steel and concrete bridge was constructed in three parts; the Don section, linking Castle Frank with Danforth Avenue soared more than 120 feet above the banks of the Don.

A lower deck was included under the roadway to bear the weight of future public transit vehicles.

The Don section of the Bloor Street Viaduct opened on October 18, 1918.