From PhillyVoice · · 1m 40s
Schuylkill Swing Bridge Opens Next Week
Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge links Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent for first time.
In brief
Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge links Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent for first time. Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge opens Nov 13, connecting Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent for pedestrians and cyclists. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
New Swing Bridge Opens
Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge opens to public Friday, Nov. 13, connecting Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Philadelphia Streets Department and Schuylkill River Development Corp. host ribbon-cutting ceremony at Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade from 2-4 p.m. Friday.
Community Events
Saturday, Nov. 14 events include guided bridge walk by WeWalkPHL and bike ride sponsored by Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
Bridge Purpose
The 1,000-foot-long swing bridge provides vital off-road link for pedestrians and cyclists on Schuylkill River Trail.
Bridge Mechanics
Bridge rotates to allow large boats to navigate river, with warning bells for maritime traffic.
Bridge Opening Time
Bridge takes about 3 minutes to open and close from start to finish.
Historical Context
Replaces abandoned rail bridge from early 20th century that Conrail took offline in 1984.
Previous Structure
Demolished in 2018, but new bridge preserves original masonry piers and approach spans.
Bicycle Coalition Statement
Bicycle Coalition says bridge connects Bartram's Garden to Southwest Philadelphia residents for Schuylkill Banks network.
Connected Trails
Bridge leads to Christian to Crescent Connector trail with 650-foot woven harp cable-stayed bridge.
First Look
WeWalkPHL program coordinator Nicole Seahorn previewed bridge with Southwest Philly residents in September.
Previous Crossing
Until now, trail users had to use Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge to cross river.
The takeaway
Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge opens Nov 13, connecting Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent for pedestrians and cyclists.
