22. Portageville Bridge

Donated by: Norfolk Southern
Original Location: Letchworth State Park in Portageville, New York
Year Built: 1852 (Timber Bridge)
First Replacement: 1875 (Steel Viaduct)
Second Replacement: 2018 (Steel Arch)
Donated to SBRITE: 2018 (Sections of Steel Viaduct Bridge)

Structure Type: Steel Viaduct Bridge
Total Bridge Length: 820 ft
Height: 250 ft above the Genesse River Gorge
Number of Spans: 13 open-deck spans


The Portageville Bridge is a crucial rail crossing along Norfolk Southern’s Southern Tier Line, connecting key regions while spanning the scenic Genesee River Gorge in Letchworth State Park, New York. Originally built in 1852 as a timber structure, the first bridge burnt down shortly after its completion. It was replaced in 1875 with a steel viaduct bridge. The bridge served and continues to serve as an important link between Binghamton and Buffalo. However, as the bridge aged, it began to cause bottlenecks in rail traffic, with speed and weight restrictions limiting trains to just 10 miles per hour. Recognizing the need for a more reliable and efficient structure, a new bridge was constructed in 2018.  Components donated included a unique bearing with a cast iron date plate, and various components from the steel column bents.