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On August 25, 1974 the 600-foot
Steelton struck the center span of Bridge 12, near Port Robinson, in the
Welland Canal. The Collision knocked the bridge down and the Steelton
suffered extensive pilothouse damage, estimated at a million dollars. The
canal had to be completely shut down for 15 days resuming on Sept. 9. The
Steelton, owned by Bethlehem Steel, was downbound from Buffalo when
the accident occurred. An investigation found the ship at fault for the
accident. The vessel passed the limit of approach point before the bridge
was fully raised.
Repairs to the bridge were estimated to be $15-20 million dollars and it was never replaced. The Steelton was repaired at Port Colborne and sailed until 1978. In 1982 it was converted for use as a cement unloading and storage vessel for use in Chicago and renamed C.T.C. NO. 1.
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Port Robinson Bridge after the accident. David Hodson Another view. David Hodson Close up. David Hodson The pilot house of the Steelton. Welland Library |
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