Editing Girard Avenue Bridge

{{Infobox bridge
|name = Girard Avenue Bridge
|crosses = Schuylkill River
|connects = Fairmount to West Philadelphia
|opened = 1874 (original), 2016 (rebuilt)
|type = Steel arch
|owner = City of Philadelphia
}}

'''Girard Avenue Bridge''' is a bridge spanning the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, carrying Girard Avenue between [[Fairmount]] and [[West Philadelphia]]. The current bridge, completed in 2016, replaced a structurally deficient 1970s-era structure.

== History ==

The original Girard Avenue Bridge opened in 1874 and was one of the key crossings connecting Center City to West Philadelphia. It was replaced multiple times, with major reconstructions in the 1970s and most recently in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.phila.gov/press-releases/girard-avenue-bridge |title=Girard Avenue Bridge Project |publisher=City of Philadelphia |access-date=December 2025}}</ref>

== Current Bridge ==

The 2016 replacement bridge features:
* Modern steel arch design
* Four vehicle lanes
* Protected bicycle lanes
* Wide pedestrian sidewalks
* LED lighting
* Connection to the Schuylkill River Trail

The $98 million project improved safety and capacity while enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access.

== Location ==

The bridge connects:
* Girard Avenue in Fairmount (east)
* Girard Avenue in West Philadelphia (west)
* Near the Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum
* Adjacent to Fairmount Park

== Significance ==

The Girard Avenue Bridge is a major east-west connector, carrying Girard Avenue—one of the city's primary crosstown routes. It provides essential access to the Philadelphia Zoo, Fairmount Park, and institutions in both Fairmount and West Philadelphia.

== See Also ==
* [[Fairmount]]
* [[Philadelphia Zoo]]
* [[West Philadelphia]]
* [[Spring Garden Street Bridge]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Girard Avenue Bridge - Philadelphia Wiki
|description=Girard Avenue Bridge spanning the Schuylkill River, rebuilt in 2016, connecting Fairmount to West Philadelphia.
|keywords=Girard Avenue Bridge, Schuylkill River, Fairmount, West Philadelphia, Philadelphia Zoo
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Infrastructure]]
[[Category:Bridges]]
[[Category:Schuylkill River]]