Walnut Lane Bridge

Walnut Lane Bridge is a concrete arch structure spanning Wissahickon Valley to link Germantown and Roxborough. The bridge consists of multiple concrete arches that rise gracefully above the creek, creating a continuous roadway for both vehicle and foot traffic.

The structure opened in 1908 and set world records for height and span in concrete arch design at that time. Its construction represented a major engineering achievement during an era when such technical accomplishments were rare and noteworthy.

The bridge represents an early effort to physically link separate neighborhoods and foster movement between communities across the valley. Walking or driving across it today, you experience a direct connection that once required long detours to reach the other side.

The bridge is open to both vehicles and pedestrians, offering clear views of the valley below. Visit during daylight hours when the structure is fully visible and traffic patterns are most predictable.

Construction required more than 40,000 tons of rubble concrete with minimal steel reinforcement due to material constraints in the early 1900s. This resourceful building method reveals how engineers adapted designs to match what was actually available at the time.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1908

Official opening: October 14, 1908

Made from material: concrete

GPS coordinates: 40.03222,-75.19972

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04