C&O Railroad Bridge

The C&O Railroad Bridge connects Covington, Kentucky with Cincinnati, Ohio and is a railway bridge that spans the Ohio River. The structure uses a cantilever design with a central truss and continues to serve freight rail operations today.

The current structure was completed in 1929 and replaced an older bridge from 1889 that could no longer handle the growing rail traffic. The new construction was needed to accommodate the increased weight and volume of freight trains.

The bridge shows how important rail transport was for connecting Kentucky and Ohio across the river. It remains a visible symbol of the region's industrial past and continues to shape how people view the waterfront.

The bridge is active and used for freight rail operations, so pedestrian access is not permitted. Visitors can view the structure from vantage points along the riverbank or from river tours to appreciate its scale and engineering.

The truss of this structure ranks among the largest of its type in the world and showcases the engineering of early modern bridge building. Its scale and technical execution make it a notable example of construction methods from that era.

Official opening: 1929

GPS coordinates: 39.09151,-84.51964

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00