Kaitlyn McCormick of ’s Philadelphia Metro Connect Team reported that the Ben Franklin Bridge celebration will close the Ben Franklin Bridge to vehicular traffic on Saturday, July 11, for a free 100th anniversary event. Visitors can still walk the span, but drivers will need to plan around the closure.
The event is free, and registration is highly encouraged through the Delaware River Port Authority website. The bridge will serve as more than a crossing for the day: guests can expect food trucks, family entertainment, educational displays, photographs, artifacts and interactive components.
Camden side event area
The main event area will be near the toll plaza in Camden. The setup puts the anniversary gathering on the Camden side while the bridge itself stays closed to vehicles, and guests coming from Philadelphia are directed toward that side of the bridge.
Guests can walk from Philadelphia to Camden on the westbound roadway lanes. They can also use the Walt Whitman Bridge or Betsy Ross Bridge to reach Camden while the Ben Franklin Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic.
PATCO and parking options
PATCO will operate on an increased schedule for the event, with service from Philadelphia stations to Camden’s City Hall station or Philadelphia’s Franklin Square Station. Complimentary shuttles to the bridge will also be available, giving attendees a way to reach the celebration without driving across the closed span.
Parking is split between free and paid options. Guests can park free at select Rutgers University lots, or pay to use the Camden County College garage or paid street parking.
The event also includes a live DJ, face painting, yard games, inflatables and appearances by the Philadelphia and Camden mayor and other special guests. The open question for anyone planning a trip is capacity: the event is free, but the expected crowd size has not been stated.
