Philadelphia set to witness overnight transformation as 258-foot pedestrian bridge over Columbus Boulevard is installed.
The existing South Street Pedestrian Bridge will undergo a drastic change with the installation of an arch spanning 258 feet across Columbus Boulevard, setting to debut in June ahead of major events. The $329 million project aims to create a more convenient path for pedestrians and cyclists to reach the waterfront, boasting a landing area at Lombard Circle.
According to Frank Bonito, senior construction manager for Hill International, which is leading the project, "They wanted a statement bridge, and this is something that definitely catches your eye." The new arch design minimizes traffic headaches for commuters on Columbus Boulevard by utilizing a cable-tied system that reduces the number of piers needed to support its weight.
PennDOT plans to assemble the cable-tied-arch section in a parking lot beside I-95, several blocks below South Street. This is followed by rolling the gigantic arch and its supporting elements across Columbus Boulevard on a series of trucks before attaching it to the newly built piers. The plan estimates that the job will be completed in about four hours.
In contrast to previous ideas, PennDOT opted for an overnight method to minimize disruptions and traffic control challenges associated with using temporary piers or the old train tracks from the defunct Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad. According to Michael Altomari, assistant construction engineer at PennDOT, "This is the smart way to do it, I think."
The bridge extension will be followed by a series of additional works including constructing approach spans, decking, and railings, as well as adjusting the bridge cables to their proper tension. Installation of lights and security cameras for visibility and safety will also be included.
By offering easy access to the waterfront from South Street, PennDOT aims to maximize the use of new amenities and reduce reliance on cars. The 10-minute walk north along Columbus Boulevard will lead visitors to the future Park at Penn's Landing, boasting an ice rink, public gardens, memorials, a children's play area, an amphitheater, food trucks, cafe, and mass-timber pavilion.
PennDOT believes that this development project is set to draw more foot traffic to the waterfront, creating a safer and more welcoming atmosphere. According to Bonito and Altomari, "The development of that area is going to draw people, which will also draw developers."
The existing South Street Pedestrian Bridge will undergo a drastic change with the installation of an arch spanning 258 feet across Columbus Boulevard, setting to debut in June ahead of major events. The $329 million project aims to create a more convenient path for pedestrians and cyclists to reach the waterfront, boasting a landing area at Lombard Circle.
According to Frank Bonito, senior construction manager for Hill International, which is leading the project, "They wanted a statement bridge, and this is something that definitely catches your eye." The new arch design minimizes traffic headaches for commuters on Columbus Boulevard by utilizing a cable-tied system that reduces the number of piers needed to support its weight.
PennDOT plans to assemble the cable-tied-arch section in a parking lot beside I-95, several blocks below South Street. This is followed by rolling the gigantic arch and its supporting elements across Columbus Boulevard on a series of trucks before attaching it to the newly built piers. The plan estimates that the job will be completed in about four hours.
In contrast to previous ideas, PennDOT opted for an overnight method to minimize disruptions and traffic control challenges associated with using temporary piers or the old train tracks from the defunct Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad. According to Michael Altomari, assistant construction engineer at PennDOT, "This is the smart way to do it, I think."
The bridge extension will be followed by a series of additional works including constructing approach spans, decking, and railings, as well as adjusting the bridge cables to their proper tension. Installation of lights and security cameras for visibility and safety will also be included.
By offering easy access to the waterfront from South Street, PennDOT aims to maximize the use of new amenities and reduce reliance on cars. The 10-minute walk north along Columbus Boulevard will lead visitors to the future Park at Penn's Landing, boasting an ice rink, public gardens, memorials, a children's play area, an amphitheater, food trucks, cafe, and mass-timber pavilion.
PennDOT believes that this development project is set to draw more foot traffic to the waterfront, creating a safer and more welcoming atmosphere. According to Bonito and Altomari, "The development of that area is going to draw people, which will also draw developers."
! I mean, 258 feet across Columbus Blvd is straight fire 
. They're thinking outside the box with that cable-tied system - less piers, less traffic headaches for commuters 
. It's dope how they're gonna roll out the arch like it's a giant Lego piece 
. And can we talk about how awesome it'll be to stroll along South Street and hit up the waterfront? Ice rink, gardens, memorials... sounds like a dream come true 
. The fact that they're doing this for $329 million is wild 
- I guess you get what you pay for, right? 
. Bring on June!
this new bridge thingy in Philly is gonna be SO cool!!! 
I mean, can u imagine walking over 258 ft with a massive arch just for u? 
it's like something outta a movie! 
the fact that they're doing it at night so its not all crazy traffic mess is pure genius 
PennDOT really knows how to do things right. Theyre making Philly waterfront way more accessible and fun! 
and with all these new amenities popping up, its gonna be a total game changer for the city 
. They're making the city more accessible for people who wanna explore the waterfront on foot or bike 
. Its a good example of thinking outside the box and finding solutions that benefit everyone, not just commuters 
.
I'm not saying it can't be done safely, but I'd like to see some more rigorous testing before they start building this thing.
anyway, looks like penndot knows what they're doing with this project, no temp piers needed yay 
️? plus, it's good to know that they're trying to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists. i mean, who doesn't love a good walk along the waterfront 
? i'm defo rooting for this project and hoping it does bring in more foot traffic. maybe we'll finally get some sweet food trucks 
and events at Penn's Landing! fingers crossed