Let me preface this by saying I have a lifelong fear of bridges (and heights). This bridge is one of the tallest ones I have ever encountered. 150 feet high and about a mile in length over the St. Lawrence River. I don't know how I got talked into walking up this bridge except that I guess I wanted to conquer my fear and say that I did it! Also 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of the TI bridges, and there was a big commemoration ceremony that weekend. What better time is there to walk the bridge than the 75th anniversary?
You can currently only walk the bridge from the mainland side. There is a pedestrian walkway on the edge of the visitor's center, and you can park and walk from there. The pedestrian walkway is wider than one person but not wide enough to fit two side-by-side, so I had to do this on my own (with my friend/"coach" behind me!). There are railings on both sides, higher than waist level (I'm 5'6"), a thick barrier on the right (inside) and thinner barrier on the left (outside), and lots of bars on the outer side so there's zero chance of falling off the sides! As you make your way up, the incline is barely noticeable (your height off the ground, however--very noticeable). The constant flow of cars and - worse - tractor trailers makes it a bit hairy; the cars pass fairly close to the inner rail, so you can feel their "whoosh"; the sidewalk beneath you shakes, and it gets pretty windy, but not enough to knock you around (at least not on this particular day). As you get higher and closer to the suspensions (the "green part"), you begin to feel a SIDEWAYS swaying! But only barely, and it's only in that one spot. When a construction truck barreled by me here, this was as close as I came to turning back.
The highest part of the bridge is smack dab in the center, midway between the two towers. This is where the view is at its most AMAZING. You can see for miles, beyond Clayton to the south and the water towers of A-Bay to the north. You can see the different currents in the river and some of the shoals in the water. If you have a fear of bridges or heights like I do, this is the point where it all becomes worthwhile. We spent probably a half an hour here looking out at the 1000 islands and taking pictures. You're also bound to come across a couple of other pedestrians making their way up or down--usually a pair, one brave and one reluctant! The four people we encountered were super nice; what an experience to share with strangers.
As for driving the bridge, the toll price (American) is $2.75, up $.25 from last year. We had purchased a bridge pass good for 16 trips which is a card the tollbooth worker swipes--great time- and quarter-saver. We've never encountered very long traffic backups despite there only being two lanes. Probably at peak times (weekends and holidays) the backups are longer; occasionally at non-peak times they are, but never any more than a couple minutes wait. The speed limit on the bridge is 40 mph; there are speed recorders when heading eastbound toward the mainland, and while we were walking up the bridge we did see a cop going after someone, so you'd be wise not to push it (slow down and enjoy the view!). Another tidbit: when a tractor trailer with a large load is coming, the TI Bridge Authority will temporarily hold traffic for the truck to cross/descend alone. The Bridge Authority is obviously very committed to keeping the bridge safe and efficient.
If you are spending time on Wellesley Island and are feeling brave, it is beautiful and invigorating to walk up this bridge. From a girl who used to cover her head with a blanket every time she crossed a bridge as a child, if I can walk up this thing, you can too! read more