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Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania: The Kinzua Viaduct

It was the longest, tallest railroad bridge in the country -- until a tornado destroyed it in 2003. The impressive wreckage, viewed from a platform, has made it even more of a tourist attraction.

Visitor Tips and News About The Kinzua Viaduct

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Skywalk for Kinzua Viaduct.

Kinzua Bridge Skywalk

A tornado blew down 11 of the old bridge's 20 support pillars on July 21, 2003. In 2009, work began to build a pedestrian walkway on the remaining towers of the old bridge. The Kinzua Sky Walk concludes with a glass-floor view of the valley below. Visitors can enjoy spectacular vistas while walking above the treetops.

[Dale Berridge, 07/28/2012]

Aug 2012: Photo added.

The Kinzua Viaduct

Built in 1882 by Gen. Thomas L. Kane. Completed in 94 days. Longest, highest railroad bridge of the 19th century. Now owned by Pennsylvania Dept. of Tranportation, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Visited by 148,000 people annually.

[Thomas Thompson, 10/23/2002]

The Kinzua Bridge was over 2000 feet long and 301 feet high -- until a tornado destroyed it in 2003. Its twisted trusses and pretzel-wrapped girders remain, however, strewn across the countryside. The wreckage is a big tourist attraction on the new (2011) Kinzua Skywalk trail.

The Kinzua Viaduct

Kinzua Bridge State Park

Address:
296 Viaduct Rd, Mount Jewett, PA
Directions:
Kinzua Bridge State Park. From US-6, at the east end of Mount Jewett, turn north (no stoplight) onto PA-3011/Bridge St. Drive 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Viaduct Rd and drive a half-mile to the parking lot.
Hours:
SkyWalk daily dawn-dusk. Visitor Center daily; closed Su in winter. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
814-778-5467
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

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In the region:
Lucy Desi Museum and Desilu Studios, Jamestown, NY - 41 mi.

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