Betsy Ross Bridge
Betsy Ross Bridge is a continuous truss bridge spanning the Delaware River between the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey. Opened in 1976, the bridge was named for the legendary seamstress credited with sewing the first American flag, whose story is associated with Philadelphia. The bridge carries State Route 90 and provides an alternative to the more congested Benjamin Franklin and Tacony-Palmyra crossings for traffic between Northeast Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Planning for additional Delaware River crossings in the 1960s identified the need for a bridge between the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge to serve the growing Port Richmond and Northeast Philadelphia areas. Construction on what would become the Betsy Ross Bridge began in 1969, with the project spanning the nation's bicentennial celebration period.[1]
The bridge opened on April 30, 1976, during bicentennial year, with its naming honoring Betsy Ross, the Philadelphia seamstress traditionally credited with creating the first American flag. While historians debate the accuracy of the Betsy Ross legend, her association with Philadelphia and the revolutionary period made the name appropriate for a bicentennial-era project.[1]
The opening provided relief for traffic that had relied on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge or the toll-free Tacony-Palmyra Bridge for crossings in this section of the river. The new bridge connected directly to Interstate 95 on the Pennsylvania side, integrating with the regional highway network.[1]
Design
[edit | edit source]The Betsy Ross Bridge uses a continuous truss design rather than the suspension design of the Benjamin Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges. This engineering approach suited the crossing location and traffic requirements while providing a distinctive visual appearance. The main span measures 729 feet with total length including approaches of approximately 8,500 feet.[1]
The bridge carries six lanes of traffic, three in each direction, with no transit or pedestrian facilities. The Pennsylvania approach connects to I-95 and Aramingo Avenue, while the New Jersey approach provides access to Route 130 and other South Jersey routes. This highway connectivity serves commuters and commercial traffic between the regions.[1]
The red paint scheme distinguishes the Betsy Ross from the blue Benjamin Franklin and green Walt Whitman bridges, creating visual variety among the DRPA crossings. The color choice reinforces the patriotic association of the bridge's name.[1]
Operations
[edit | edit source]The Delaware River Port Authority operates the Betsy Ross Bridge as part of its four-bridge system. Tolls are collected from westbound traffic entering Pennsylvania, with E-ZPass and toll-by-plate options. The bridge's traffic volumes are lower than the Benjamin Franklin or Walt Whitman bridges but serve important commuter and commercial functions.[1]
The bridge provides access between Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods and New Jersey employment, retail, and residential areas. Its location serves a different travel market than the downtown-oriented Benjamin Franklin Bridge or the Shore-focused Walt Whitman Bridge. Industrial and commercial traffic also uses the crossing extensively.[1]
Maintenance requirements include structural inspections, deck repairs, and painting cycles that maintain the bridge's safety and appearance. The bridge's truss design presents different maintenance considerations than suspension bridges, with more steel members requiring inspection and corrosion protection.[1]
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Benjamin Franklin Bridge
- Walt Whitman Bridge
- Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
- Delaware River
- Port Richmond, Philadelphia