Cumberland Valley Railroad Bridge

The Cumberland Valley Railroad Bridge is a concrete railway crossing over the Susquehanna River, linking Harrisburg's downtown area with the communities of Cumberland County by way of City Island. The structure stretches across the water with a functional design typical of early 20th century engineering, creating a direct path for rail traffic between the two regions.

The original wooden covered bridge first opened in 1839, serving as an important crossing for the developing region. It was replaced by the current concrete structure completed in 1916 after several intermediate reconstructions.

The bridge became a symbol of industrial progress in the region, serving as a vital connection for commerce and people moving between communities on opposite sides of the river.

The bridge has been out of active use since the late 1980s when the Cumberland Valley Railroad was acquired by Conrail, so visitors cannot cross it by train. However, the structure remains visible from various vantage points along City Island and the riverbanks for those interested in seeing it up close.

President Woodrow Wilson notably became one of the first people to cross the new concrete span shortly after it opened in 1916. This presidential visit gave the newly completed bridge a place in American history, marking it as more than just a regional transportation link.

Location: Cumberland County

Inception: 1916

GPS coordinates: 40.25230,-76.88510

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04