P.W. & B. Railroad Bridge

The P.W. & B. Railroad Bridge is a railway crossing that spans the Susquehanna River with 13 sections, including a movable central span designed to accommodate riverboat traffic. The structure extends across the water in a series of iron and stone segments that support train passage.

The Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad built this first bridge over the Susquehanna River and opened it in 1866. Following the Pennsylvania Railroad's takeover in 1881, wooden sections were replaced with iron spans to handle heavier trains.

This bridge marked the completion of the first mainline railroad connection between Philadelphia and Baltimore, transforming regional transportation patterns.

The bridge is visible from the riverbank and offers good views of the railway structure and the water below. Visit during daylight hours and clear weather to see the construction details and moving span mechanism clearly.

A tornado struck and damaged the wooden components shortly after the bridge opened in 1866, requiring immediate repairs before passenger trains could operate. This early setback led to reinforcements that made the structure more durable.

Official opening: November 26, 1866

GPS coordinates: 39.55472,-76.08361

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:40