A new map showcasing abandoned bridges, incorrect signs, and submerged highways across Ontario has been unveiled by a first-year civil engineering student at the University of Waterloo. Jonathan Silverman, the creator of the map, has always had a keen eye for anomalies, dating back to his childhood family road trips.
Growing up in Thornhill, Silverman developed a fascination with the history of Ontario’s highway system. He aimed to make commutes more engaging by highlighting these hidden oddities that most people drive past without noticing. The map, hosted on his website, Jonathan’s Junction, has garnered attention after he shared it on Reddit, where he connected with individuals sharing insights about various parts of the province.
One notable contributor from Sudbury shared intriguing details about spots along Highway 69 and Highway 6, such as unused bridges at Key River. The map also features points of interest like the submerged section of Highway 2 near Ottawa, the abrupt end of Highway 125 in Red Lake, and abandoned segments of Highway 6 between Fergus and Durham.
Additionally, the map includes the West Montrose Covered Bridge, a historic structure dating back to 1881. Bradley Nazar of Pickering expressed enthusiasm for the map, stating that it provides valuable information on unusual roadside attractions, enriching the experience of exploring the province.
Silverman has been overwhelmed by the positive reception, with over 25,000 views on the map so far. In response to the interest, he has introduced a new section on his website called “On the Way Oddities,” enabling users to input their destination and receive a curated list of unique sights along their route. The project has sparked a sense of adventure and curiosity among travelers, aligning with Ontario’s ‘Yours to Discover’ ethos.