PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Construction is expected to begin next month on a distinctive bridge that will carry South Street pedestrians to Penn’s Landing.
The tied-arch bridge with the curved-arc support structure is sure to redefine the skyline along the waterfront. It’s extending the existing South Street pedestrian bridge across Columbus Boulevard.
Construction was originally planned for this summer, but it’s a little behind. Assembly is now on track to begin in September.
PennDOT spokesperson Brad Rudolph said it’s taking a little longer to test the materials and design elements.
“It’s a very unique structure, a real signature structure that’s going in here. It’s pretty new for PennDOT, so there are a lot of materials that are new to PennDOT specs that need to be reviewed,” he said.
The bridge will be built in a lot near the I-95 CAP project and then moved to its permanent location in one night, probably next March.
“One day it’s not going to be there and the next day you’re going to have this huge span going across Christopher Columbus Boulevard and connecting to the river,” Rudolph said.
After that, the approaches and the river-side ramp need to be built, so the bridge won’t be open to walkers until late 2027.
Bridge expected to open to pedestrians by end of 2027
Bridge expected to open to pedestrians by end of 2027
