Falls Bridge reopens to vehicles Friday

The Falls Bridge will reopen to vehicles Friday after nearly two months of emergency repair work.

The busy bridge over the Schuylkill will be open by the morning rush hour, the Streets Department said.

The truss bridge had been closed since the beginning of February for the rehabilitation work. Crews needed to strengthen steel floor beams and support structures under the deck, called stringers.

In November, officials inspecting the bridge discovered the corrosion that prompted the repair work and closure.

The bridge, which is reopening to cars a week ahead of schedule, had remained accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the project.