The 12 Most Iconic Bridges of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Bridges

Pennsylvania has over 25,400 bridges connecting its communities across three major rivers (Delaware, Susquehanna, and Ohio) and countless smaller streams.

From old wooden covered bridges to massive steel suspension bridges, here are some of the most impressive.

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge

This massive suspension bridge connects Philadelphia with Camden, New Jersey across the Delaware River. When it opened in 1926 during America’s 150th birthday celebration, it had the longest single span of any suspension bridge in the world.

Architect Paul Cret designed its distinctive steel towers and cables that stand out against Philly’s skyline.

You can walk across the 1.5-mile span on a walkway open daily from 6am to dusk, with great views of the Philadelphia skyline. The bridge lights up at night for special occasions. Driving costs $6 going westbound (toward Pennsylvania), with discounts for seniors.

• Address: 5th Street between Vine and Race Streets, Philadelphia

• Getting There: From Philadelphia’s Old City or via PATCO train

The Three Sisters Bridges (Pittsburgh)

Known as the “Three Sisters,” these matching gold suspension bridges cross the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh. They form the only set of three identical bridges in the United States.

Each honors an important Pittsburgh figure: Roberto Clemente (6th Street), Andy Warhol (7th Street), and Rachel Carson (9th Street).

Built in the late 1920s, these were among America’s first self-anchored suspension bridges. The Roberto Clemente Bridge closes to cars during Pirates games, becoming a walkway to PNC Park. All three are painted “Aztec Gold” to match Pittsburgh’s official colors.

• Address: 6th, 7th, and 9th Streets, Pittsburgh

• Getting There:Walk from downtown Pittsburgh or North Shore; parking on both sides

Smithfield Street Bridge (Pittsburgh)

The Smithfield Street Bridge crosses the Monongahela River connecting downtown to Station Square. Built in 1883, it’s Pittsburgh’s oldest river bridge and the second oldest steel bridge in the United States.

The current bridge is actually the third version at this spot – the first wooden bridge from 1818 burned in Pittsburgh’s great fire of 1845.

In the 1990s, officials almost tore it down due to age, but local support saved this historic treasure. Today it wears Pittsburgh’s signature black and gold colors.

• Address: Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh
• Getting There: From downtown Pittsburgh or Station Square; Port Authority buses use this route

Fort Pitt Bridge (Pittsburgh)

The Fort Pitt Bridge creates what the New York Times called “the only city in America with an entrance.” Drivers emerge from the Fort Pitt Tunnel to a stunning view of Pittsburgh’s skyline.

This unique double-decker arch bridge was the world’s first computer-designed bridge of its type.

The bridge carries I-376 across the Monongahela River where Pittsburgh’s three rivers meet. During construction, locals called it the “bridge to nowhere” because of unfinished ramps. Now it serves as the gateway to downtown and offers great views of Point State Park and the city’s fountain.

• Address: Interstate 376, Pittsburgh
• Getting There: Drive via I-376 or view from Point State Park or Mount Washington

Rockville Stone Arch Bridge (Harrisburg)

This massive 3,820-foot-long stone arch railroad bridge crosses the Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg. Built in 1902 with 48 stone arches, it’s one of the longest stone arch bridges in the world.

It replaced an earlier wooden structure destroyed by floods and fire. Trains still use the bridge today, making it popular with photographers and train fans.

Rockville Bridge Park nearby has good viewing spots for watching trains cross. During migration seasons, you can spot eagles and other birds fishing in the river below the arches.

• Address: Rockville Bridge, Marysville, PA 17053
• Getting There: Via Route 11/15 north of Harrisburg; parking at Rockville Bridge Park

Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge (Lancaster County)

Stretching over 180 feet, Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge is one of Lancaster County’s longest single-span covered bridges over the Conestoga River. The original bridge from 1843 was rebuilt in the 1970s after Hurricane Agnes caused damage.

This bridge has horizontal floor boards, making for a bumpy drive across. Set among Amish farmland, it’s perfect for photos, especially during fall. Nearby, you can find more of Lancaster County’s 28 historic covered bridges—the most of any Pennsylvania county.

• Address: Hunsecker Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 
• Getting There: About 1 mile southeast of PA Route 272 and 0.5 miles north of PA Route 23 off Mondale Road

New Hope-Lambertville Bridge

This historic bridge links the charming towns of New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey across the Delaware River. It’s the main walking path between these two tourist spots, letting you explore shops, restaurants, and attractions on both sides.

The bridge offers pretty views of the Delaware River, especially during fall.

Both New Hope and Lambertville are known for antique shops, art galleries, and good food. Paths along the Delaware Canal near the bridge are perfect for walking and biking. The area makes for a great day trip from Philadelphia or New York.

• Address: Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938 
• Getting There: In downtown New Hope; parking in both towns

Kinzua Bridge (Kinzua Bridge State Park)

Once the highest and longest railroad bridge in the world at 301 feet high and 2,053 feet long, the Kinzua Bridge was partly destroyed by a tornado in 2003. Today, the remaining structure is the Kinzua Sky Walk, a walkway with a glass floor at its end.

From there, you can see the entire Kinzua Gorge below your feet.

Built in 1882 and rebuilt in 1900, this engineering marvel showed off America’s industrial might. The state park around the bridge has exhibits about its history. During fall, the surrounding forest shows spectacular colors, making it one of Pennsylvania’s most photographed spots.

• Address: 1721 Lindholm Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
• Getting There: In McKean County, via PA Route 6; about 3.5 hours from Pittsburgh

Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge (Lancaster County)

Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge is the oldest Lancaster County covered bridge still open to traffic. First built in 1846 and fixed up in 1997, this 98-foot bridge crosses the Conestoga River.

Like many covered bridges, its name changed over time based on who owned the nearby mill.

Steel beams were added under the floor to support the bridge’s age and the shallow creek below. You’ll find it among scenic Amish farms in an area known as the birthplace of covered bridge building. Combine this stop with other nearby covered bridges for a nice drive through Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

• Address: Cats Back Road, Lancaster, PA
• Getting There: Off Route 772 between Terre Hill and Ephrata

Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge

At 278 feet long, the Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge still standing in Pennsylvania. Built in 1902, this single-lane, double-span wooden bridge crosses Tuscarora Creek in Juniata County.

Its design uses the Burr truss method created by Theodore Burr, a leading bridge designer of his day.

Located in a quiet rural setting, the bridge has been well-maintained to keep its historic look. The peaceful countryside around it is great for taking photos and having picnics.

• Address: Academia Road, Port Royal, PA 17082
• Getting There: In southern Juniata County, about 45 minutes northwest of Harrisburg

Liberty Bridge (Pittsburgh)

Finished in 1928, the Liberty Bridge created a vital link between downtown Pittsburgh and the South Hills neighborhoods. Before this bridge, people from South Hills could only reach downtown via the Smithfield Street Bridge.

The span crosses the Monongahela River with great views of Pittsburgh’s skyline and its three rivers.

Recent updates have strengthened the bridge and added decorative lights. Thousands of commuters use it daily as it connects to the Liberty Tunnels that go through Mount Washington. This key transportation route has shaped how Pittsburgh developed over the last century.

• Address: Liberty Bridge, Pittsburgh, PA
• Getting There: From downtown Pittsburgh via Liberty Avenue or from South Side via PJ McArdle Roadway

Pool Forge Covered Bridge

Pool Forge Covered Bridge sits on the Historic Pool Forge property in northeastern Lancaster County. Local legend says President James Buchanan met his fiancée on this bridge.

Built in 1859 and spanning 99 feet over the Conestoga River, it was originally called Yohn’s Mill Bridge.

Unlike many private property bridges, you can visit this one easily. It’s in a park-like setting perfect for photos. The Historic Pool Forge area includes a 1600s iron master’s house, lime kiln, and other old buildings, making this one of the prettiest covered bridge spots in Pennsylvania.

• Address: 1940 Main Street, Narvon, PA 17555 
• Getting There: Near Route 23 in Caernarvon Township, about 1 mile from Route 322