Brilliant Cutoff Viaduct of the Pennsylvania Railroad

The Brilliant Cutoff Viaduct is a stone railway bridge with multiple large arches spanning across Washington Boulevard. The arches are massive and support the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad system, carrying trains over the valley below.

The bridge was built in 1902 under architect William H. Brown's supervision and was part of a plan to relieve railroad traffic congestion. It received historic landmark status from the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 2003.

This structure shows early 20th-century engineering work and reminds visitors of Pittsburgh's role as a railroad hub. The stone arches were part of a traffic solution designed to relieve pressure on the downtown area.

The bridge is visible from Washington Boulevard but cannot be crossed on foot since it remains active for train traffic. The best viewpoint is from the street below or nearby public areas where you can clearly see the structure and its arches.

The bridge is part of the original Brilliant Branch, a route designed specifically to redirect trains away from running directly through downtown. Today this purpose is still served when Amtrak trains are turned around on this line.

Location: Pittsburgh

GPS coordinates: 40.46220,-79.90500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42