When our grandson, Ryan arrived from New York with his family for a visit, he had two requests. Walking the Ben Franklin Bridge and to go fishing with PopPop. Today was beautiful, so we put on our sneakers and set out for a long day of walking.
We began by parking near Rutgers College campus in Camden, New Jersey. We walked to the base of the south side of the Ben Franklin bridge that was opened July 1, 1926 and originally named The Delaware River Bridge which connects Camden, New Jersey to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ready to climb the steps to begin our trek.
Top of the steps.
And ready to go across the Delaware River
The sun was bright and hot and we could feel the vibration of the cars and trucks right away. The bridge carries more than 100,00 vehicles a day and the PATCO trains carries 40,000 rail commuters over the bridge each day.
There is a noticeable incline heading to the middle of the river that looked to be a challenge to the bikers. Then a similar descent on the other side.
Looking down on the Camden side.
During our walk we saw other walkers, runners and bikers.
Enjoying the view.
One of the towers.
Looking towards Penn’s Landing.
A view of the USS Battleship New Jersey, the Riverlink Ferry.
The center span of the bridge is 1,750 feet from tower to tower.
The bridge is 135 feet above the river. Total weight of the bridge is 763,491 tons, which includes structural steel and masonry.
The bridge is 8,300 feet long from end to end and about a mile and a half in each direction.
Area at the top provides a great lookout down the Delaware.
The bridge toll in 1926 was 25 cents for a car, 15 cents for a horse and rider and 30 cents for a horse-drawn carriage.
When opened in 1926, the bridge held the title of world’s longest suspension bridge.
The bridge was designed to accommodate six lanes of traffic, two tracks for subway/elevated trains, two track areas for streetcar/trolley operation, and two walkways for pedestrians. The walkways are one of the more popular parts of the bridge for bicycle riders, walkers, and people jogging across the bridge.
Looking back toward Camden.
Rails where trains travel.
Chillin’ for a bit.
Almost to the end.
Lightning Bolt at the base of the bridge is a 101-feet tall, stainless steel sculpture depicting a bolt of lightning, a kite, and a key.Two opening ceremonies were held for the bridge: A July 1st ceremony which opened the bridge to 100,000 pedestrians. Here is a Scenes from Old Philadelphia link to a few great photo of the opening of the bridge (see the first 10 photos). The second opening ceremony was on Monday, July 5, 1926 for Calvin Coolidge, the President of the United States.
Jamie and I walked over the north walkway some 45 years ago. We were the only walkers on the bridge.
Very good to see the walkways renovated, opened, and used. Impressive views.
This looks like a good walk with wonderful views. Coming to you from the Tablescaper linkup.
Looks like a very interesting walk!
Love the photos ( though..Im a little scared of heights.. ) =D
How neat! I've driven over it and boated under it many times, walking across never crossed my mind! Lovin' your G-Son's T-Shirt:@)
Beautiful photos and very interesting outing! Thanks for sharing ~
xo
Pat
Beautiful photos and very interesting outing! Thanks for sharing ~
xo
Pat
wow, that's an impressive bridge. I wouldn't mind taking that walk
how neat, know what I love about blogging the most? I feel like I get to see the world.
Wow- What a great bridge. I grew up in PA and never went over that bridge that I can remember. What a fun day with family. The views are amazing. I don't know how much I would like feeling all those vibrations walking though- xo Diana
What a big bridge, it must have taken a long time to build.
Lovely photos of some great views.
Although I've never been on this bridge, I now feel as though I have. I love your photos and background information. Enjoy your visit!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
That was a great view of a legendary city! I'll bet it was a wonderful day.
Beautiful pictures…and that is one great walk!!!
Lovely photos Lorraine. Great details. It really amazes me, how well planned the construction is, suiting today's traffic needs as well. Thanks for sharing! :).
Fabulous photos, Lorraine. I enjoyed them. xo
I enjoyed seeing your pics. Looks like a lot of fun!
It was fun to 'walk' the bridge with you. I did something like this a few years ago when we walked the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I love bridges – they give such a different perspective when we walk them.
~Adrienne~