The Ben Franklin Bridge will close to car traffic in July for its anniversary celebration
The exact timing of the closure has not been announced, but the event is scheduled for July 11 with July 12 as a rain date.
The Ben Franklin Bridge will close to car traffic on July 11 for its 100th anniversary celebration, the Delaware River Port Authority has announced.
The closure will allow for pedestrian access of the bridge, the port authority said. The exact timing of the closure has not yet been announced.
Mike Williams, a spokesperson for the authority, said the event is expected to last for several hours.
Visitors will be able to participate in the celebration of the span that connects Philadelphia and Camden, including live music, performances, food trucks, and carnival rides, according to the port authority’s website. There also will be a pop-up museum and exhibits with bridge artifacts, the authority said. The celebration will occur on the Camden side of the bridge near the toll plaza.
It’s not the first time the bridge has been closed for an event. It also shut for the 75th anniversary in 2001 and for about two and a half days during Pope Francis’ visit in 2015.
It won’t be convenient for everyone. More than 34 million vehicles cross the bridge annually — on average 94,000 vehicles per day — and it comes during the height of the Jersey Shore season. While the closure is scheduled for a Saturday, the rain date is Sunday, July 12.
Opening in 1926, the 1.8-mile span originally was called the Delaware River Bridge and at one time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
“The Ben Franklin Bridge is more than just a crossing; it is a symbol of connection between our communities,” John T. Hanson, DRPA CEO said in a news release. “For 100 years, it has supported the movement of people and goods across the Delaware River, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with the public.”