Definition The Salisbury Viaduct is a historic railway bridge located in Salisbury Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a prominent structure on the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile (240 km) rail trail that connects Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Overview Constructed between 1910 and 1912 by the Western Maryland Railway, the Salisbury Viaduct was originally part of a crucial rail line connecting coal fields and industrial centers. It spans the Casselman River and its valley, representing a significant engineering achievement of its era. After the decline of rail traffic, the viaduct, along with much of the former Western Maryland rail corridor, was acquired for conversion into a multi-use recreational trail. Today, it serves as a key landmark and popular segment of the Great Allegheny Passage, offering scenic views and a vital link for hikers and cyclists.
Etymology/Origin The viaduct derives its name from Salisbury Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where it is situated. Its construction was initiated by the Western Maryland Railway as part of its Connellsville Extension project, aiming to expand its network into southwestern Pennsylvania to access coal and coke traffic and compete with other railroads.
Characteristics
- Type: Concrete arch viaduct.
- Length: Approximately 1,908 feet (582 meters).
- Height: Stands approximately 100 feet (30 meters) above the Casselman River at its highest point.
- Arches: Comprises 20 large concrete arches.
- Construction Material: Primarily reinforced concrete.
- Completion Date: Completed in 1912.
- Original Use: Carried two tracks of the Western Maryland Railway.
- Current Use: Part of the Great Allegheny Passage, serving as a pedestrian and bicycle trail. The original rail beds were removed, and a compacted crushed limestone surface was installed.
Related Topics
- Great Allegheny Passage
- Western Maryland Railway
- Casselman River
- Viaducts
- Rail-to-trail conversions