Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Bridge

The Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Bridge is a railway bridge with 51 concrete arches spanning the Susquehanna River between Lemoyne and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania. The arches are designed to allow vessels to pass underneath while keeping the structure stable and strong.

The current bridge was completed in 1924 and replaced an earlier truss structure from 1891. Some original stone piers were preserved and integrated into the new concrete foundation design.

The bridge served as a vital connection point between two major railroad networks, allowing trains to link different regions together. Visitors can see today how the structure still functions as a transportation hub and reflects the importance of railways to regional development.

The clear space under the arches allows ships and boats to pass safely, keeping the river functional for water traffic. Visitors should be aware of the height above water and remember that this remains an active railroad bridge still used for train service today.

With 51 arches, this bridge has three more arches than the neighboring Rockville Bridge on the same river. This architectural distinction makes it a notable railroad structure in the region.

Location: Cumberland County

Inception: 1924

Official opening: 1924

GPS coordinates: 40.24920,-76.88280

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49