FORT FRANCES, Ontario — A century-old drawbridge spanning the U.S.-Canada border near the cities of International Falls, Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario, has collapsed, leaving no room for comment. It is unclear when the area will reopen to shipping on the Rainy River.
No trains were involved in Wednesday’s collapse and no one was injured. according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The cause is being investigated.
Some “biodegradable, non-toxic hydraulic oil” was released, but environmental crews have contained it and are working to recover the fluid, Canadian National Railway said.
Workers have begun repairing the structure, which was built in 1908. Known as the Rainy River Rail Lift Bridge and the 5 Mile Bridge, the bridge swings up to allow traffic to pass on the river that forms the international boundary from Lake of the Woods to Rainy Lake.