Philadelphia is amongst the oldest and most significant towns in America, and for fans of history and design there's plenty to see when it comes to its Philadelphia bridges that have survived through the ages. Behind those stone and steel constructions lay different stories of their planning and origins. The consequential bridges this city showcases are not only nationally recognized but recognized by many international organizations as well. Below are an example of bridges that you can find around Philadelphia.
Frankford Avenue Bridge
The Frankford Avenue Bridge, one of the first bridges in Philadelphia, was ereted in 1697. . Its original name was King's Path but ultimately modified to 1 or 2 names including 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 southerly 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 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 finished in 1926, this bridge was a creation of Paul Philippe Cret. This is the same architect who took part in the look 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 construction of the 2 tall towers allegedly joining with the sky as you pass under them. This is the most important road that links Philadelphia's Center City to New Jersey. The bridge also brings you to two churches that are historic landmarks, St. Augustine and St. George's churches.
Falls Bridge
Erected in 1895 by Filbert Porter and Co, this bridge has experienced major reconstruction since 1986. It has a measurement of 40 feet width and 600 feet in length. It's also got 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 constructed in order to carry vehicular traffic on the bottom deck while streetcars travel on the upper deck. The bridge has a Petit Through-Truss, pin-connected, and luxurious 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 renovated in 1998 to connect East Park and West Park. The brains behind the construction was Charles H. Porter, a famous Philadelphia politician with Russell Fair, Jr, as the chief engineer. The bridge has superb four wrought-iron arches on 3 stone piers with 3 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, New York and the Philadelphia Office of Public Works. In 2006, it went through a major rehabilitation and received a 9/9 (glorious) rating, the highest possible rating from the Nation's Bridge Inventory. This bridge is one of the most popular bridges in Philadelphia due to the fact it's the oldest metal steel bridge in Pennsylvania.
Frankford Avenue Bridge
The Frankford Avenue Bridge, one of the first bridges in Philadelphia, was ereted in 1697. . Its original name was King's Path but ultimately modified to 1 or 2 names including 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 southerly 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 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 finished in 1926, this bridge was a creation of Paul Philippe Cret. This is the same architect who took part in the look 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 construction of the 2 tall towers allegedly joining with the sky as you pass under them. This is the most important road that links Philadelphia's Center City to New Jersey. The bridge also brings you to two churches that are historic landmarks, St. Augustine and St. George's churches.
Falls Bridge
Erected in 1895 by Filbert Porter and Co, this bridge has experienced major reconstruction since 1986. It has a measurement of 40 feet width and 600 feet in length. It's also got 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 constructed in order to carry vehicular traffic on the bottom deck while streetcars travel on the upper deck. The bridge has a Petit Through-Truss, pin-connected, and luxurious 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 renovated in 1998 to connect East Park and West Park. The brains behind the construction was Charles H. Porter, a famous Philadelphia politician with Russell Fair, Jr, as the chief engineer. The bridge has superb four wrought-iron arches on 3 stone piers with 3 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, New York and the Philadelphia Office of Public Works. In 2006, it went through a major rehabilitation and received a 9/9 (glorious) rating, the highest possible rating from the Nation's Bridge Inventory. This bridge is one of the most popular bridges in Philadelphia due to the fact it's the oldest metal steel bridge in Pennsylvania.
About the Author:
Thomas Franklin has been fascinated by Philadelphia landmarks for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For the details about Philadelphia bridges please feel free to visit her site.
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