West Philadelphia Elevated

The West Philadelphia Elevated is a railway bridge combining steel construction with brick arch sections that extends across a considerable span. The structure connects multiple railroad lines and allows trains to move across the city without interfering with street traffic.

Construction began in 1903 as a Pennsylvania Railroad project to separate passenger and freight movements. Work continued into the 1930s as the system expanded to meet growing transportation needs.

The structure shapes the landscape of West Philadelphia and represents the industrial engineering vision that transformed the city. Local residents view it as a defining part of their everyday surroundings.

The best views come from different street levels where you can observe the layered components from multiple angles. Visitors should explore the surrounding area to see various sections from different vantage points.

The northern section features a notable brick arch segment that represents an uncommon engineering solution for railway spans of that era. This arch construction shows how engineers combined traditional building materials with modern rail demands.

GPS coordinates: 39.96204,-75.18441

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07