B&O Railroad Bridge

The B&O Railroad Bridge spans the Schuylkill River with three steel truss sections, connecting Bartram's Garden to the Grays Ferry neighborhood. The structure uses a swing-span design that allows the bridge to open for river traffic to pass underneath.

An iron structure first opened in 1886, which was replaced in 1910 by this steel design from the American Bridge Company. This upgrade reflected advances in engineering and reinforced Philadelphia's standing as a major rail center.

The bridge served as a key link in the rail network that connected the city's industrial zones with downtown areas. It remains part of the rail infrastructure that shaped Philadelphia's role as a major transportation hub.

The bridge is accessible on foot and offers views of the river and surrounding waterfront areas. Daytime visits provide the best lighting for viewing the steel structure and its mechanical details.

The structure features mechanical and electrical interlocking systems that manage operations at the junction with the Reading Company rail line at Eastwick. These control systems showcase early 20th century rail technology sophistication.

Location: Pennsylvania

Official opening: May 2004

GPS coordinates: 39.93560,-75.20580

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:06