Gokteik Viaduct was constructed by the Pennsylvania Steel Company in the Shan state of Upper Burma. This bridge is 320 feet in height and 2,250 feet in length and consists of ten spans. It was one of the only major construction contracts awarded to an American company during British colonial rule. When it opened, it was the second longest bridge in the world and considered a marvel of steel and US engineering.
Sir Malcolm Darling describes his first visit during a at the beginning of the 20th century: "Our second expedition took us by train into the Shan Hills to a spot so solitary that the substance of our meals had to come three hours by train. Our object was to see the Gokteik Gorge and the railway viaduct spanned its river 1,500 feet below. The gorge was wide as well as deep and could hardly have been bridged–in those days at least–had not nature herself bridged it first. A swift stream had cut is way through the rock and arched it into a long winding tunnel. Upon this natural bridge 400 feet below rested the central girders of the bridge above. Seen from the bottom of the gorge, the viaduct soared into the blue sky 'as light and frail as a spider's web.' 'It is wonderful,' exclaimed Master Sahib. 'Nature and Art–look, there is a thick friendship between them.'" (Apprentice to Power India 1904-1908, 1966, p. 214)