Strawberry Mansion Bridge

The Strawberry Mansion Bridge is a steel arch truss structure spanning approximately 1,242 feet across the Schuylkill River, featuring three-hinged solid ribbed spandrel braced deck arches with Warren deck truss approach spans.

Constructed between 1896 and 1897 by the Phoenix Bridge Company under the supervision of engineer Theodore Cooper, the bridge originally served both vehicular traffic and streetcar lines operated by the Fairmount Park Transportation Company.

Recognized as a contributing structure within the National Register-listed Fairmount Park Historic District, the bridge represents Philadelphia's commitment to preserving its late 19th-century engineering heritage and industrial craftsmanship.

The bridge carried approximately 14,500 vehicles daily as of 1996 before being closed to traffic, connecting Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Drive while providing access to various parts of Fairmount Park.

This bridge stands as one of the early and rare examples of a spandrel braced metal deck arch bridge in the United States, showcasing ornate original railings and steel work preserved through multiple restoration efforts.

Location: Pennsylvania

Official opening: April 20, 1897

GPS coordinates: 39.99500,-75.19360

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18