The city of Philadelphia is one of the oldest towns in the country and if you love designs and landmarks, you will fall in love with the Philadelphia bridges. Behind those stone and steel constructions lay different stories of their planning and origins. The historic bridges this city showcases are not only nationally recognized but recognized by many world associations also. Below are examples of bridges you can find around Philadelphia.
Frankford Avenue Bridge
in 1697, at the decree of William Penn, the Frankford Avenue Bridge was built.. Its original name was King's Path but eventually changed to several names like King's Highway, Bristol Turnpike, and now now holding the name Frankford Avenue Bridge. In 1893, there had been a major renovation made. The width of the bridge was increased to the southern side of the bridge by the addition of a stone arch. This bridge is also known as the Pennypack Creek Bridge since it carries a road over the Pennypack. Reportedly to be the oldest highway bridge in the United States, this bridge was designated by the North American Society of Civil Engineering a National Civic Engineering Landmark in 1970.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Opened and finished in 1926, this bridge was a creation of Paul Philippe Cret. This is the same designer who took part in the planning of the famous Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Ralph Modjeski as the chief engineer. What makes this one of the more favored Philadelphia bridges is the development of the two tall towers allegedly joining with the sky as you pass under them. This is the number one roadway that links Philadelphia's Center City to New Jersey. The bridge also brings you to 2 churches that are historical landmarks, St. Augustine and St. George's churches.
Falls Bridge
Erected in 1895 by Filbert Porter and Co, this bridge has been through major reconstruction since 1986. It's got a measurement of 40 feet width and 600 feet long. It also has a deck width of 25.9 feet. It was constructed as a double-deck bridge which connects Calumet Street to Kelly Drive with the West River Drive at Neill Drive. This is located at the opposite side of the famous Schuylkill. Originally, the historical bridge was created to carry vehicular traffic on the lower deck while streetcars travel on the top deck. The bridge has a Petit Through-Truss, pin-connected, and ornate structure.
Strawberry Mansion Bridge
Strawberry Mansion Bridge, originally called "Trolley Bridge", has long been intertwined with affairs of the Fairmount Park Transportation Company. This bridge was erected in 1897 and was refurbished in 1998 to attach East Park and West Park. The brains behind the construction was Charles H. Porter, a very famous Philadelphia politician with Russell Fair, Jr, as the chief engineer. The bridge has fantastic four wrought-iron arches on three stone piers with three Warren trusses.
42nd Street Bridge
Last but not the least is the 42nd Street Bridge which is a main route on 42nd Street over the Amtrak Railroad. This metal through arch bridge was built in 1909 by Owego Bridge Company of Owego, Big Apple and the Philadelphia Department of Public Works. In 2006, it underwent a major rehabilitation and received a 9/9 (wonderful) rating, the highest possible rating from the Nation's Bridge Inventory. This bridge is amongst the most popular bridges in Philadelphia due to the fact that it is the oldest metal steel bridge in Pennsylvania.
Frankford Avenue Bridge
in 1697, at the decree of William Penn, the Frankford Avenue Bridge was built.. Its original name was King's Path but eventually changed to several names like King's Highway, Bristol Turnpike, and now now holding the name Frankford Avenue Bridge. In 1893, there had been a major renovation made. The width of the bridge was increased to the southern side of the bridge by the addition of a stone arch. This bridge is also known as the Pennypack Creek Bridge since it carries a road over the Pennypack. Reportedly to be the oldest highway bridge in the United States, this bridge was designated by the North American Society of Civil Engineering a National Civic Engineering Landmark in 1970.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Opened and finished in 1926, this bridge was a creation of Paul Philippe Cret. This is the same designer who took part in the planning of the famous Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Ralph Modjeski as the chief engineer. What makes this one of the more favored Philadelphia bridges is the development of the two tall towers allegedly joining with the sky as you pass under them. This is the number one roadway that links Philadelphia's Center City to New Jersey. The bridge also brings you to 2 churches that are historical landmarks, St. Augustine and St. George's churches.
Falls Bridge
Erected in 1895 by Filbert Porter and Co, this bridge has been through major reconstruction since 1986. It's got a measurement of 40 feet width and 600 feet long. It also has a deck width of 25.9 feet. It was constructed as a double-deck bridge which connects Calumet Street to Kelly Drive with the West River Drive at Neill Drive. This is located at the opposite side of the famous Schuylkill. Originally, the historical bridge was created to carry vehicular traffic on the lower deck while streetcars travel on the top deck. The bridge has a Petit Through-Truss, pin-connected, and ornate structure.
Strawberry Mansion Bridge
Strawberry Mansion Bridge, originally called "Trolley Bridge", has long been intertwined with affairs of the Fairmount Park Transportation Company. This bridge was erected in 1897 and was refurbished in 1998 to attach East Park and West Park. The brains behind the construction was Charles H. Porter, a very famous Philadelphia politician with Russell Fair, Jr, as the chief engineer. The bridge has fantastic four wrought-iron arches on three stone piers with three Warren trusses.
42nd Street Bridge
Last but not the least is the 42nd Street Bridge which is a main route on 42nd Street over the Amtrak Railroad. This metal through arch bridge was built in 1909 by Owego Bridge Company of Owego, Big Apple and the Philadelphia Department of Public Works. In 2006, it underwent a major rehabilitation and received a 9/9 (wonderful) rating, the highest possible rating from the Nation's Bridge Inventory. This bridge is amongst the most popular bridges in Philadelphia due to the fact that it is the oldest metal steel bridge in Pennsylvania.
About the Author:
Thomas Franklin has been interested in Philadelphia landmarks for several years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For full information about Philadelphia bridges come and visit her site.
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