History of our community
Middle Road bridge:
According to the Ministry of Transportation Ontario, the need for the QEW arose after the Toronto-Hamilton Highway (built in November 1917), and later known as Highway 2, became overloaded and a new route had to be considered. The Dundas (Hwy 5) was also at its capacity. As a result, planning began for the Middle Road, which became the Queen Elizabeth Highway. Construction on the QEW began in 1931 and was completed for its opening in 1939.
At this point it should be noted that the Queen Elizabeth Highway did not follow along the original alignment of the Middle Road. The best example of the Middle Road can be seen at the eastern limit of Sherway Drive. The bridge that spans the Etobicoke Creek is in fact the historic Middle Road Bridge. It was also nicknamed ‘White Bridge’. This particular bridge stands out above all others as it was the first of its kind ever built in Canada, and only the second of its kind ever built in North America. The bridge was designed in 1909 by Frank Barber and C.W. Young. It’s a concrete truss or tied arch bridge and was celebrated for its light weight and strength. The bridge was tested on opening day when 40 cattle were herded across its span. On October 14, 1986, Ward 7 Councillor Dave Cook represented the City of Mississauga and co-officiated in a ceremony with the Mayor of Etobicoke to designate this bridge as a heritage structure. This bridge became the only structure in Ontario to be designated and renovated jointly by two municipalities. Applewood Acres resident and artist, Leonard Crump, who lived on Courtland Crescent, did an outstanding drawing of this bridge in 1978, prior to its restoration.
The QEW was designed as a four-lane divided highway having a median strip which would vary from 3 feet to 10 feet in width with the remaining less traveled sections as undivided roadway. It wasn’t until 1940 that a 4-mile (6.4 km) section from the Humber River to then Highway 2 (now the 427 Highway) was opened. Provided by Dave Cook.
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