The Details

Betsy Ross Bridge is a continuous steel truss bridge that spans the Delaware River at the head of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and up to Pennsauken, New Jersey. The construction of the bridge was carried out from 1969 to 1974. The grand opening took place in 1976 during the celebration of the 200th anniversary of US independence.

Betsy Ross Bridge also has another name - the Ross Memorial Bridge. But the Betsy Ross Bridge is the more common name. The Delaware River Ports Authority maintains and services the bridge in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Betsy Ross Bridge Facts

It was initially planned that the bridge would be named Delair Bridge. However, the decision was later changed in favor of the creator of the first American flag, Betsy Ross. It is worth noting that the Betsy Ross Bridge was the first automobile bridge to be named after a woman in the United States. Betsy Ross adjoins the mouth of Frankford Creek. During the construction of the Betsy Ross Bridge, tombstones were used as riprap on the embankments.

The bridge was not opened to traffic immediately after construction. The delays were caused by disputes with the communities where the Richmond Street ramps were placed. There were problems with heavy trucks. Some believed that the bridge would not be able to withstand significant loads. But after a while, the problems were solved.

Betsy Ross Bridge specifications

Today, the road on the Betsy Ross Bridge acts as a high-level, multi-lane bypass of the three-lane Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. In 1988, the Betsy Ross Bridge was connected to Interstate 90 in New Jersey.

The Betsy Ross Bridg technical parameters:

• total length - 2.5 thousand meters;

• identification number - 4500011;

• the longest span is 222 meters;

• clearance above/below - 11.48 and 41 meters, respectively;

• throughput - the bridge receives traffic in more than 39 thousand cars daily.

Tolls are charged in one direction only when entering Pennsylvania. The toll may increase depending on the tonnage of the vehicle.