Schuylkill Arsenal Railroad Bridge

The Schuylkill Arsenal Railroad Bridge is a railway crossing over the Schuylkill River comprising nine spans resting on three piers positioned in the water. The structure connects University City with the Grays Ferry area while also spanning CSX rail tracks and the Schuylkill Expressway below.

The bridge was built between 1885 and 1886 by the Pennsylvania Railroad using wrought iron and replaced an earlier wooden structure from 1862. This replacement allowed the rail network to meet growing cargo transport demands in the region.

The bridge takes its name from the nearby Schuylkill Arsenal, a military supply facility that operated in the area until 1926. This name reflects the important role the arsenal played in local industrial and military activity.

The bridge is used daily by CSX Transportation for rail traffic and is not accessible to pedestrians or vehicles. Visitors can best view the structure from nearby riverside walkways where there are good vantage points.

The bridge features a movable span that has since been permanently locked in a fixed position. The historical electrical catenary system is no longer operational, though the mechanical parts of this engineering solution remain visible.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 39.94330,-75.19170

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44