Hagwilget Bridge was in use long before the current bridge was completed in 1931.
Sixteen feet wide with a grated metal deck, this single lane span soars 262' (80m) above the canyon of the Bulkley River, connects Hazelton to New Hazelton, and preserves ancient trading links in the area.
The Hagwilget first nation made their early foot bridges mostly of wood. Later versions incorporated rope and still later, cable left behind by the builders of the recently completed telegraph.
According to the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District, Chief Charles of the Hagwilget "owned" the bridge in the late 1800s. Engineer Alexander Carruthers designed the one seen above. He later served as B.C.'s Inspector of Bridges and Deputy Minister of Highways.
The bridge below was photographed in the 1890's and is housed in the B. C. archives. Courtesy of Cindy Bo, Wikimedia Commons.
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