Details on South Street Bridge Reopening Ceremony

SOUTH STREET BRIDGE REOPENING CEREMONY SCHEDULED FOR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2010

Philadelphia, PA – Streets Department Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson announced today that a reopening ceremony for the South Street Bridge will be held on Saturday, November 6 at 3 PM. The new 1,800-ft. long bridge and viaduct is scheduled to reopen to traffic during the evening of November 6th. The bridge was closed to all motor vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic on December 8, 2008.

Commissioner Tolson notes that this major construction project is being delivered to travelers and tax payers ahead of schedule and on budget. “The earlier than scheduled reopening of the South Street Bridge is a cause for celebration, particularly for the local community and all those who rely on the bridge to cross the Schuylkill River. All Philadelphians are invited to join the reopening ceremony and be among the first pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the bridge. It will be a unique opportunity to walk and bike in the travel lanes of the bridge and enjoy fabulous views of Philadelphia’s skyline.” Access to the bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists will be made available beginning at 2 PM on November 6th.

In early 2006, local elected officials, community leaders, business owners and civic groups joined together to form the South Street Bridge Coalition. The Coalition pushed for improvements to the design of the bridge. The collaboration between the Coalition and Streets Department resulted in a more balanced pedestrian-, bicycle- and vehicle-friendly design that serves the needs of all bridge users. New features include wider sidewalks, a mid-block signalized pedestrian/bicycle crossing at the Schuylkill River trail, wider green colored bicycle lanes, a reduction in vehicle lanes, relocation of street lights, and traffic signal adjustments optimized for pedestrian movements and safety.