Editing Benjamin Franklin Bridge (section)

== History ==

Planning for a bridge connecting Philadelphia and Camden began in the early twentieth century as ferry service proved inadequate for growing cross-river traffic. The Delaware River Bridge Joint Commission, predecessor to the Delaware River Port Authority, oversaw construction that began in 1922. Chief engineer Ralph Modjeski designed the suspension bridge with Polish-born architect Paul Philippe Cret contributing the distinctive Art Deco anchorages and approaches.<ref name="drpa"/>

The bridge opened on July 1, 1926, as the longest suspension bridge in the world with a main span of 1,750 feet. President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the bridge, which was renamed for Benjamin Franklin in 1956 during celebrations of the 250th anniversary of his birth. The original toll was twenty-five cents for automobiles.<ref name="drpa"/>

PATCO rapid transit service began using the bridge in 1936, with trains running on the lower deck between Philadelphia and Lindenwold, New Jersey. This transit integration distinguished the bridge from automobile-only crossings and contributed to development patterns in southern New Jersey suburbs accessible via the line.<ref name="drpa"/>