Tunkhannock Viaduct: A National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
A true monument to Northeastern Pennsylvania’s rich railroad history, the Tunkhannock Viaduct stands as one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Sometimes referred to as the Nicholson Bridge, due to its location in the small town of Nicholson, this breathtaking concrete structure towers majestically over the Endless Mountains landscape, offering a striking reminder of NEPA’s industrial past and its collection of celebrated historic sites.
Completed in 1915, the Tunkhannock Viaduct was originally built as a direct throughway for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western (DL&W) Railroad. This remarkable deck and arch bridge supported freight trains traveling along the railroad’s main line between Scranton and Binghamton, and later, passenger trains also crossed its sturdy expanse. For decades, it played a critical role in the transportation of goods and people, cementing its place in the region’s industrial development.
The viaduct spans an impressive 2,375 feet—nearly half a mile—and rises 240 feet above the Tunkhannock Creek that runs below its arches. Upon completion, the Tunkhannock Viaduct was one of the largest concrete bridges in the world, and it remained a monumental feat of engineering for many years. In 1975, the American Society of Civil Engineers recognized the viaduct as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and just two years later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
For over a century, the Tunkhannock Viaduct has been celebrated not only for its scale and beauty but also for its enduring legacy as a symbol of the region’s industrial prowess. It continues to inspire awe in visitors, from casual onlookers to professional photographers, engineers, and architectural enthusiasts alike. With its sweeping, unobstructed views, the viaduct is also a must-see fall foliage destination, offering one of the most iconic vistas in NEPA during the autumn months. The town of Nicholson honors this historical treasure every year during the annual Nicholson Bridge Day festival, which celebrates the viaduct’s role in the community and its place in the history of NEPA.
