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Photo of the Strait of Canso
1980
Strait of Canso, Nova Scotia, Canada

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The Canso Causeway and Canal were constructed between 1952 and 1955 under a tri-party agreement among the federal Department of Transport, the Nova Scotia Department of Highways, and the Canadian National Railway. Funding was from the Department of Transport under this agreement to provide a fixed link between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. This would replace an auto ferry crossing between the town of Mulgrave and Port Hawkesbury and a train ferry crossing between Mulgrave and Point Tupper.

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Southwest view from the Canal construction site
November, 1954
Canso Canal work site

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The swing bridge under construction at the Canso Canal work site
1955
Canso Canal work site

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The construction of the 308 foot swing bridge to span the Canso Canal began on September 1st, 1954. According to Joe Larter, one of the workers,it was rivetted together by Maritime Steel & Foundries Limited, of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia on site . Pictured at top is the swing bridge under construction at the Canso Canal site. A worker stands atop the structure. To the right is the cabin which houses the controls, on the lower floor, and the machinery above. The bottom picture taken from the west side of the canal shows the bridge deck being assembled

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Lock gates under construction at the Canso Canal looking south
1 April 1955
Canso Canal work site

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Swing bridge
1955
Canso Canal Bridge

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The completed bridge was moved into position, spanning the Canal on April 11, 1955. An account of the event appeared in the Cape Breton Post the next week.
"...the 308 foot swing bridge over the Canso Causeway locks was moved into position by a hefty bulldozer, completing the last link of the building of the world's deepest man-made causeway."

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Swing Bridge over the Canso Canal owned by the Canadian National Railway
April, 1955
Canso Canal Bridge

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The first test of the swing bridge for rail traffic happened unexpectedly on April 18, 1955.
Even construction officials at the site were unaware that the first run was planned so early. The last rail was hammered into position at 11:20 am. and then workmen turned their attention to bracing the giant bridge that spanned the locks. For four hours about 20 men laboured to place hydraulic hoists under the bridge to give it the support necessary to accommodate the test run. At 3 pm., Mr. Delong, CNR construction superintendent signalled the crew of 2639 to bring the train into position. Workmen all along the sprawling project gathered to witness the crossing. The work siren sounded and the first train was on its way across the "Road to the Isles".

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Locomotive on the Canso Canal bridge
18 April 1955
Railway Line Strait of Canso

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Locomotive 2639, a veteran of 50 years service, was accorded the honour of being the first engine to cross the Canso Causeway and Canal on its test run on August 18,1955. Bud Clough, born and raised in Port Hastings overlooking the exact spot of this historic event, was the driver of number 2639, Sonny(Charlie) Marshall of Point Tupper was the fireman, conductor was Arthur McMahon and brakemen were C.B. Ross of Sydney Mines and L.V. MacDonald.

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Railway first official train
18 April 1955
Canso Canal Bridge

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Ship passing through Canso Canal
1960
Canso Canal Bridge