If you are a architectual lover, you must visit a few of the Philadelphia bridges we have selected for you. Behind those stone and steel constructions lay different stories of their planning and origins. The historic bridges this city showcases aren't only nationally recognized but recognized by many world setups also. Below are an example of bridges you can find around Philadelphia.
Frankford Avenue Bridge
One of the earliest bridges in Philadelphia is the Frankford Avenue Bridge which was erected on 1697 at the decree of William Penn. Its original name was King's Path but ultimately changed to several names such as King's Highway, Bristol Turnpike, and now now holding the name Frankford Avenue Bridge. In 1893, there had been a major re-building 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 roadway bridge in the U. S. , this bridge was appointed by the North American Society of Civil Engineering a National Civic Engineering Landmark in 1970.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Opened and completed in 1926, this bridge was a creation of Paul Philippe Cret. This is the same designer who took part in the design of the famous Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Ralph Modjeski as the chief engineer. What makes this one of the more well-liked Philadelphia bridges is the development of the 2 tall towers allegedly merging 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 two 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 undergone major reconstruction since 1986. It's got a measurement of 40 feet width and 600 feet in length. It has also got a deck width of 25.9 feet. It was built as a double-deck bridge which connects Calumet Street to Kelly Drive with the West Brook Drive at Neill Drive. This is located at the other side of the famous Schuylkill. Originally, the significant bridge was constructed so as to carry vehicular traffic on the bottom deck while streetcars travel on the top deck. The bridge has a Petit Through-Truss, pin-connected, and baroque 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 connect East Park and West Park. The brains behind the construction was Charles H. Porter, a very famous Philadelphia glad-hander with Russell Fair, Jr, as the chief engineer. The bridge has amazing 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 created in 1909 by Owego Bridge Company of Owego, Long Island and the Philadelphia Office of Public Works. In 2006, it underwent a major rehabilitation and received a 9/9 (excellent) rating, the highest possible rating from the Nation's Bridge Inventory. This bridge is amongst the most well-liked bridges in Philadelphia because of the fact that it's the oldest metal steel bridge in Pennsylvania.
Frankford Avenue Bridge
One of the earliest bridges in Philadelphia is the Frankford Avenue Bridge which was erected on 1697 at the decree of William Penn. Its original name was King's Path but ultimately changed to several names such as King's Highway, Bristol Turnpike, and now now holding the name Frankford Avenue Bridge. In 1893, there had been a major re-building 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 roadway bridge in the U. S. , this bridge was appointed by the North American Society of Civil Engineering a National Civic Engineering Landmark in 1970.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Opened and completed in 1926, this bridge was a creation of Paul Philippe Cret. This is the same designer who took part in the design of the famous Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Ralph Modjeski as the chief engineer. What makes this one of the more well-liked Philadelphia bridges is the development of the 2 tall towers allegedly merging 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 two 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 undergone major reconstruction since 1986. It's got a measurement of 40 feet width and 600 feet in length. It has also got a deck width of 25.9 feet. It was built as a double-deck bridge which connects Calumet Street to Kelly Drive with the West Brook Drive at Neill Drive. This is located at the other side of the famous Schuylkill. Originally, the significant bridge was constructed so as to carry vehicular traffic on the bottom deck while streetcars travel on the top deck. The bridge has a Petit Through-Truss, pin-connected, and baroque 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 connect East Park and West Park. The brains behind the construction was Charles H. Porter, a very famous Philadelphia glad-hander with Russell Fair, Jr, as the chief engineer. The bridge has amazing 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 created in 1909 by Owego Bridge Company of Owego, Long Island and the Philadelphia Office of Public Works. In 2006, it underwent a major rehabilitation and received a 9/9 (excellent) rating, the highest possible rating from the Nation's Bridge Inventory. This bridge is amongst the most well-liked bridges in Philadelphia because of the fact that it's the oldest metal steel bridge in Pennsylvania.
About the Author:
Thomas Franklin has had an interest in Philadelphia landmarks for years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information about Philadelphia bridges please visit her site.
