The $20-million project restores vital connection, including new shared-used path; Reopens to vehicle traffic on Monday, September 22 after MLK Drive Weekend Closure for Recreation 

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets today announced the completion of the $20 million Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Bridge Rehabilitation Project with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on the east side of the 700-foot bridge over the Schuylkill River.

The ribbon cutting ceremony opened the MLK Drive Bridge for an extended MLK Drive Weekend Closure for Recreation. Starting in 1995, this is the 30th year of seasonal weekend vehicle closures of MLK Drive to create safe recreational space for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the 4.3 miles of green space along the Schuylkill River. MLK Drive and the bridge will reopen to vehicle traffic 7 a.m. Monday, September 22.

“The completion of this project was vital and today, we’re celebrating the reopening of one of Philadelphia’s favorite bridges,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Infrastructure projects – and there are many – strengthen our transportation network, create critical links for our communities, and offer new access to green spaces and economic opportunities.”

The new wider bridge deck includes three vehicle lanes and adds a 10.5-foot shared-used path connecting to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s MLK Drive Trail. The project was fully funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bridge Formula Program and included: 

• The demolition and removal of the existing bridge deck.
• The rehabilitation of existing steel girders and piers.
• Construction of a new concrete bridge deck, barriers, railings, and lighting.
• Upgrades to nearby roadway approaches, street lighting, ADA curb ramps, crosswalks, and other miscellaneous construction.

“I want to personally thank the project team and our partners,” said Streets Commissioner Kristin Del Rossi. “This team accomplished the reconstruction of a 60-year-old bridge in two years. This 700-foot-long bridge deck contains 158 tons of rebar and over 2,000 tons of concrete. All that mass carefully engineered and constructed to serve those traveling in Philadelphia for generations to come.” 

• The design of the new MLK Drive bridge was managed by the Streets Department’s Bridge Design Unit and completed by Modjeski and Masters.
• Construction was led by the Streets Department Construction Unit with inspection services from Urban Engineers and work completed by H&K Group, Inc. and their subcontractors.
• Throughout the project, the Streets Department worked closely with the City’s Procurement Department and Law Department, as well as intergovernmental partners at PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.
• The Department of Sanitation, CLIP, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation provided regular cleaning and maintenance of MDK Drive throughout the project and bridge reopening.

Completion of this project reopens a vital connection between communities in West Philadelphia and Center City allowing for shorter commute times, more efficient travel, and access to green space and recreational opportunities. Originally opened in 1965, the bridge – formerly known as West River Drive Bridge – occupies an area which has served as a river crossing since the 1600s, including a ferry then replaced in 1812 with The Colossus – the longest single-span wooden bridge in the country.