There are many magnificent bridges around the world. Some of the bridges are for pedestrians. Some are for automobiles. Then you have those magnificent railroad bridges.
Welcome to the town of Nicholson, Pennsylvania, a small town in the northeastern region of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. What is so great about this town? When you visit this small town, you will notice an amazing engineering marvel. This marvel is the Tunkhannock Viaduct. (It is also known as the Nicholson Bridge getting the name from the town and the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct from the creek this bridge crosses.) As you stare at the bridge, you will be amazed at huge arches on the structure. You will not be thinking that it has been said that it is the largest concrete bridge in the United States of America and possibly the world, and you will not be thinking that this bridge is designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will be awestruck as you look at the bridge.
The building of the bridge was completed in 1915 for the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad creating a more straighter route between Scranton, Pennsylvania to the south and Binghamton, New York to the north with passenger and freight trains. Today, the Northern Southern Railway run only freight trains on the bridge today.
The Tunkhannock Viaduct is located in the town of Nicholson, Pennsylvania on the south side of the town. It parallels U.S. Route 11 across Tunkhannock Creek. It is easy to see as you approach the bridge, and there is an overlook on the south side of the bridge. The great thing is that there is no admission to see the bridge and it is open twenty-four hours a day and every day of the year including holidays. Be warned. When you visit Nicholson, Pennsylvania, you will be amazed.
John Cowgill: Stories of the Railroad 