Peacock's Lock Viaduct

Peacock's Lock Viaduct is a stone arch bridge over the Schuylkill River near Reading, Pennsylvania, constructed by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad between 1853 and 1856. It is named for a nearby lock on the Schuylkill Canal. The bridge is notable for its pierced spandrels, or circular openings between the arch rings and the deck. While this feature is found on some European bridges, it is extremely rare, if not unique, in the United States.[1]

Peacock's Lock Viaduct
Peacock's Lock Viaduct in 1999.
Coordinates40°24′36″N 75°56′51″W / 40.41000°N 75.94750°W / 40.41000; -75.94750
CarriesReading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad
CrossesSchuylkill River
LocaleReading, Pennsylvania
Characteristics
DesignArch bridge
MaterialStone
Longest span46 feet (14 m)
No. of spans9
History
DesignerPhiladelphia and Reading Railroad
Construction start1853
Opened1856
Location
Map

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Spivey, Justin M. (April 2000). "Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, Peacock's Lock Viaduct" (PDF). Historic American Engineering Record. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress. p. 2. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
edit