Trip Planning - Tidal Delaware Tri Bridge Urban Water Front Tour
Travel under the graceful spans of three major Delaware River bridges; the Betsy Ross, the Ben Franklin, and the Walt Whitman. These towering suspension bridges were constructed in the 1976, 1926, and 1957, respectively. All are managed by the Delaware River Port Authority.
At its July 1, 1926 completion, the Ben Franklin’s 533-metre span made it the world’s largest suspension bridge, a distinction it would hold until the opening of the Ambassador Bridge in 1929.
The Walt Whitman is named after the poet Walt Whitman who resided in nearby Camden toward the end of his life. It is one of the larger bridges on the east coast of the United States.
The Betsy Ross is named for Betsy Ross, creator of the first American Flag. It is the first bridge in the United States to be named after a woman.
The bridges connect vibrant urban centers on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including a rich variety of historical and cultural features. Also present are current and past examples of the region’s industrial heritage. Once the “workshop of the world” in 1800’s, this area continues to maintain a diverse industrial and port community. As the region looks to the future, these urban centers are increasingly focusing on commercial and residential waterfront redevelopment, along with the creation of trail, park, greenway, and other recreational amenities.
Your bridge tour can be combined with a visit to historical Philadelphia, the Battleship New Jersey, the Camden aquarium, or the host of other attractions in this tri-bridge area.