Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, Schuylkill River Viaduct

The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad viaduct is a stone arch bridge crossing the Schuylkill River with six main spans and smaller supporting arches. The structure carries regular rail traffic over both the waterway and major roads including Martin Luther King Jr Drive and Kelly Drive.

The viaduct was built between 1853 and 1856, replacing an earlier wooden structure that carried coal to the Delaware River terminal. The new stone construction demonstrated advanced building methods of the time and proved essential to the region's expanding rail network.

The bridge was a sign of Philadelphia's growth during the industrial era, showing how coal transport shaped the city's economy. Today, it stands as a reminder of when trains and shipping dominated the region's business.

The best views of the bridge come from the walking paths along the river or from nearby streets, especially on clear days. Since trains run regularly through here, stay clear of active tracks and explore the area with care.

The bridge uses a rare construction method with diagonal ribbed arches because it was built at an angle across the river rather than straight across. This unusual arrangement shows how 19th-century engineers got creative when solving practical challenges.

Location: Pennsylvania

Official opening: 1856

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 40.00640,-75.19270

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:07