# Schuylkill Swing Bridge Opens Next Week

> Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge links Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent for first time.
- Title: Schuylkill Swing Bridge Opens Next Week · PhillyVoice
- Summary: Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge links Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent for first time.
- Keywords: schuylkill river trail, bartram's garden, grays ferry crescent, swing bridge, philadelphia streets department, schuylkill river development corp, wewalkphl, bicycle coalition of greater philadelphi, christian to crescent connector, 650-foot woven harp bridge, PhillyVoice
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/schuylkill-crossing-swing-bridge-opening-bartrams-garden-grays-ferry
- Published: 2026-11-06T22:23:29.083+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: schuylkill river trail, bartram's garden, grays ferry crescent, swing bridge, philadelphia streets department, schuylkill river development corp, wewalkphl, bicycle coalition of greater philadelphi, christian to crescent connector, 650-foot woven harp bridge, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge opens Nov 13, connecting Bartram's Garden to Grays Ferry Crescent for pedestrians and cyclists.