by Alex Lloyd Gross
To celebrate the 100th birthday of the Ben Franklin Bridge, authorities closed it to vehicle traffic and allowed pedestrians to walk the entire span. People walked from Philadelphia to Camden and back. Each direction took about 45 minutes if you made no stops.
Traffic around the bridge was gridlocked as people who wanted to walk it searched for places to park. Once you found a spot, there was nothing to do except walk. Half of the bridge remained closed for emergency personnel and shuttle buses. The buses did not stop mid-span. If you ventured out, crossed the bridge, and became tired, you could rest, then either continue or turn back.
ALEX LLOYD GROSS Photo =Delaware Valley News.com People walk on the bridge.
The event ended early after many people passed out, and it took at least an hour to clear the bridge. People wore everything imaginable for the occasion, from crazy T-shirts to suits and ties. One woman walked the span in high heels, while another went barefoot.
Philadelphia blew it. Nearly all of the attractions were in Camden, and there were long lines for everything. There were food trucks, bounce houses, and the food was expensive as well. On the Philadelphia side, there was only one food truck selling Akai, and it was selling out quickly.
Right at the ramp to 5th Street, the city could have positioned food trucks or other attractions. Instead, there was nothing.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo- Delaware Valley News.com The view at just about mid span during the walk.
People walking the bridge stopped frequently to take photos. From cell phones to Speed Graphic cameras that use film, people documented the once-in-a-lifetime
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com This is the area on the Philly side that could have been used for attractions.
People walking the bridge stopped frequently to take photos. From cell phones to Speed Graphic cameras that use film, people documented the once-in-a-lifetime event from as many angles as they could. Many stopped complete strangers and asked them to take their pictures. Some people even brought their pets. Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at least 500 dogs were being walked across the bridge.