The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, a vital artery connecting Philadelphia and Camden, is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of the region’s history. Opened in 1926, it was once the world’s longest suspension bridge, boasting a span of 1,750 feet and a total length of 9,650 feet. This iconic structure not only facilitates daily commutes with its seven lanes but also serves as a picturesque walkway for pedestrians and cyclists, offering stunning views of the Delaware River and the city skylines. Its steel framework, weighing a massive 61,700 tons, stands as a testament to the industrial era’s ingenuity and the enduring spirit of both cities it unites.
Here are some fascinating tidbits about the Benjamin Franklin Bridge: When it opened in 1926, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, a title it held until 1929. The bridge’s construction began in 1922 and took four and a half years to complete. It’s not just for cars; the bridge also carries the PATCO Speedline and has walkways for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge was initially named the Delaware River Bridge and was later renamed to honor one of Philadelphia’s most famous residents, Benjamin Franklin. The total weight of the bridge’s structural steel is a whopping 61,700 tons. It features a “Zipper” barrier that can be moved to manage traffic flow efficiently. The bridge lights up at night with a decorative lighting system that can be customized for special occasions. It’s a true Philly icon, connecting not just two cities but also the past and present with its enduring...
Read moreThis bridge is good and very long with a very good view of the skyline of Philadelphia. There are many people walking from both side of the bridge and also a lot of people are jogging. I started the walk from downtown Philadelphia side and went all the way to Camden. It took me for about a 20 minutes to work from this side to the other side of the bridge. I stopped here and there took a lot of photos of the river and also the buildings on each side of the river. There is a strange building without window which I can saw from my side to the other side. Is really strange. I added that building's photo here. Also on the other side of the bridge I don't see a lot of people. The parking lot have grass growing out of the concrete. I think it's a little under maintenanced. I know there is a university there in Camden but I walked there on weekend so there are no student. Very quiet.
I saw some police cars parking outside of a very huge building which looks to me like a city hall and also some people that are acting strangely working very slowly and shouting because the place is very different from the downtown Philadelphia side. It makes me a little nervous and then I went back on the bridge back to Philadelphia downtown. I guess you probably don't want to go there on the weekend because there were no students and it's a...
Read morepoor place to park. homeless people live under the bridge and why does it cost$5 to leave NJ Free to return? I guess they don't want you leaving New Jersey, which explains the 2% exit tax if you sell your house and move. what I don't understand is why trucks are required to stay to the right so when you come across the top of the bridge all of the trucks are going left to get on 676 lots of accidents happen here stay away from the New Jersey Transit buses they don't check their mirrors. what's really cool is you get to watch the trains come across the bridge sometimes and then you can race them and see if he can go faster than they do. the speed limit for the trains is supposed to be like 40 miles an hour in that area but there's no cameras on them right there so sometimes they go a lot faster I think it would be cool to take a ride on one of those trains and see where it goes somebody said it goes way down the tracks and I believe them I don't think that stops at the base of the bridge, but then again I don't think anybody really would want to stop at the base of the bridge is all full of homeless people somebody should go feed them they all look hungry and they're always begging for money but whatever you do don't give them money give them food or like a...
Read more