Bridges Built Before 1920 Still in Use Today

When the average American bridge is 48 years old, a bridge built before 1920 is a genuine survivor. These structures have endured two world wars, the rise of the automobile, the construction of the Interstate system, and over a century of weather and traffic. Yet hundreds of them remain in the National Bridge Inventory, still carrying vehicles across rivers, creeks, and valleys.

Most bridges are designed for a 50-75 year service life. The bridges on this list have exceeded that by a factor of two or more. Their survival is a testament both to the quality of their original construction and to the maintenance investments that have kept them functional.

Pre-1920 bridges cluster in certain types and regions. Stone arch bridges, which can last centuries, make up a significant portion. Covered wooden bridges, particularly in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, have also survived thanks to their protective roof structures. Early iron and steel bridges from the late 1800s and early 1900s are rarer survivors, found mostly in rural areas where traffic loads have remained light enough to keep them in service.

Many of these bridges are located in the northeastern and midwestern states where infrastructure development began earliest. States like Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio have particularly high concentrations of century-old bridges.

The oldest bridge on this list was built in 1764, making it 262 years old. For the full list of America's oldest bridges regardless of era, see our article on the [oldest bridges in the United States](/blog/oldest-bridges-united-states). To understand how these bridges are rated, read our [condition ratings guide](/blog/bridge-condition-ratings-guide).