Portage Viaduct

Portage Viaduct is a railway trestle bridge that spans the Genesee River with steel frame construction. The structure crosses a distance of about 820 feet (250 meters) with a main span of roughly 118 feet (36 meters) using metal truss work typical of 19th century rail engineering.

The original wooden bridge opened in 1852 but burned down in 1875. Engineers rebuilt it in iron in just 53 days, allowing rail traffic to resume in the valley and continue for more than a century afterward.

The bridge became a defining landmark for the region and shaped how people saw the Genesee Valley landscape. Visitors could experience 19th century engineering nestled within the natural scenery of the gorge.

Visitors can view the viaduct from observation areas near Letchworth State Park. The site is best explored on foot, and you should be prepared for uneven terrain in the gorge area.

The original structure was demolished in 2018 and replaced with a new arch bridge featuring spandrel bracing. This type of arched design is uncommon in modern railway construction today.

Location: Livingston County

Inception: July 1, 1851

Official opening: August 14, 1852

GPS coordinates: 42.57778,-78.04944

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:08