Passyunk Avenue Bridge, Double leaf bascule bridge in South Philadelphia, United States.
The Passyunk Avenue Bridge is a double leaf bascule structure that spans the Schuylkill River between South and Southwest Philadelphia. It accommodates four lanes of vehicle traffic alongside a separate bicycle path that runs the length of the crossing.
An earlier bridge crossing at this location was built in 1911 with only two lanes to serve the area. The current structure was built in 1983 to replace that aging facility and was positioned slightly north of where the original bridge stood.
The bridge serves as a daily crossing for people moving between neighborhoods, carrying both car traffic and cyclists who rely on it for their journeys. It functions as a connector that makes the two sides of the river feel like parts of a single community.
Boat operators need to notify the bridge operators four hours in advance if they want the bridge to open for water passage. Crossing is smoothest during off-peak times in early morning or evening hours.
When the bridge leaves lift up, they open a tall passage for river traffic to pass through below. This opening does not happen often, but if you happen to be there when it does, it is a surprising sight to witness.
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