Benjamin Franklin Bridge

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The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, originally known as the Delaware River Bridge, is a suspension bridge across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Camden, New Jersey. The bridge is owned and operated by the Delaware River Port Authority and is named for American statesman Benjamin Franklin. The chief engineer was Ralph Modjeski and the supervising architect was Paul Philippe Cret. At the time of its completion (July 1, 1926), it was the world's largest suspension bridge. It remained the largest until the opening of the Ambassador Bridge in 1929.

Related Topics:
Suspension bridge - Delaware River - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Camden, New Jersey - Delaware River Port Authority - Benjamin Franklin - Ralph Modjeski - Paul Philippe Cret - July 1 - 1926 - Ambassador Bridge

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The bridge currently carries I-676 and US 30; it carried the latter since its opening or very soon after. Before the 1953 New Jersey State Highway renumbering, Routes 25, 43 and 45 ended in the middle of the bridge. The bridge also carries the PATCO Speedline rail line, via connecting tunnels on both sides of the bridge, and pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge, elevated over and separated from the vehicular lanes. The DRPA closed the walkways to the public since July 8th, citing security concerns following the London Terror Attacks. The north walkway has since reopened. There are seven travel lanes, divided by a concrete "zipper" barrier, in which a machine can configure the lanes due to traffic volume or construction. A $3 vehicle toll is charged only in the west-bound direction (i.e., Camden to Philadelphia).

Related Topics:
I-676 - US 30 - 1953 New Jersey State Highway renumbering - 25 - 43 - 45 - PATCO Speedline - London Terror Attacks

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Along with the Betsy Ross Bridge, the Walt Whitman Bridge, and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge is one of four primary bridges connecting Philadelphia with southern New Jersey.

Related Topics:
Betsy Ross Bridge - Walt Whitman Bridge - Tacony-Palmyra Bridge

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