Walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge this weekend
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If you're looking for another 250th bucket list experience, block off your schedule because you can saunter across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge this weekend.
Why it matters: Meek Mill has house parties, Philly has block parties, and the Delaware River Port Authority has walking parties.
Driving the news: The port authority will shut down all lanes of traffic for several hours on Saturday for anyone who wants to cross the 1.8-mile bridge, which celebrated its 100th birthday this month.
- Starting at 10am, pedestrians may access the bridge from either the Philly or Camden side.
- Plus: A party is set for the Camden-side toll plaza at 10am, which will include historic displays, food trucks and music.
Worth noting: The bridge's regular pedestrian walkway will be closed during the event and reopen at 2:30pm.
- For drivers: The bridge will be off limits to traffic from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Pro tip: Philadelphians looking to get across the river can ride the PATCO to Camden, or drive across the Walt Whitman Bridge or Betsy Ross Bridge.
- Or, better yet, lace up those Nikes, slather on the sun tan lotion and hoof it.
Flashback: Designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge opened to traffic on July 1, 1926.
- It was once the world's longest suspension bridge, before being overtaken three years later by the Ambassador bridge between Detroit and Canada.
- Originally called the Delaware River Bridge, it was renamed for one of Philly's founding fathers in 1956.
By the numbers: A masterful feat of engineering, the bridge spans more than 9,600 feet and clears 135 feet above the water below.
- Its massive towers stretch 380 feet in the air and the bridge is held up by a series of 30-inch-thick cables that are strong enough to withstand 125,000 tons.
If you go: The event is free, and you can register here.