A new map showcasing abandoned bridges, incorrect signs, and submerged highways in Ontario has been developed by a first-year civil engineering student at the University of Waterloo, Jonathan Silverman. Silverman, who has had a keen interest in transportation from a young age, particularly in roads, observed unique anomalies during family road trips and while studying maps.
Growing up in Thornhill, Silverman delved into the history of Ontario’s highway network, aiming to make people’s daily commutes more intriguing by shedding light on unnoticed features along the roads. The map is available on his website, Jonathan’s Junction, where he engaged with fellow enthusiasts on Reddit, exchanging insights about various regions of the province.
A contributor from Sudbury shared valuable information about noteworthy locations along Highway 69 and Highway 6, including unused bridges at Key River. The map also highlights distinct points of interest such as the submerged section of Highway 2 near Ottawa, the abrupt termination of Highway 125 near Red Lake, the directional change of Highway 17 near Sault Ste. Marie, abandoned segments of Highway 6 between Fergus and Durham, the historic West Montrose Covered Bridge, and an abandoned portion of Highway 407 near Oshawa.
Enthusiasts like Bradley Nazar of Pickering appreciate Silverman’s map as a valuable resource for discovering unusual roadside attractions and uncovering the stories behind them. Nazar’s exploration of back roads while camping in provincial parks with his sons allows them to appreciate the province’s rich history through intriguing monuments and signs.
The positive reception of the map, with over 25,000 views as of Friday, has prompted Silverman to introduce a new feature on his website called “On the Way Oddities,” enabling users to input their destination and receive a curated list of unique sights to watch out for during their journey. The collective enthusiasm of contributors has been a motivating factor for Silverman, showcasing the shared passion for exploring Ontario’s hidden gems beyond the main highways.