George C. Platt Bridge

The George C. Platt Bridge is a truss structure that crosses the Schuylkill River and connects Southwest Philadelphia to the airport district. It carries two directions of Pennsylvania Route 291 and features a steel median barrier designed to prevent head-on collisions between opposing traffic.

The structure opened in 1951 under the name Penrose Avenue Bridge and served from the start as a key connection between areas. It was renamed in 1979 to honor a Civil War veteran.

The bridge's name honors a Civil War figure and was adopted in 1979 to recognize his legacy. Its steel structure and design reflect the industrial character of the area it passes through.

The structure handles heavy daily traffic and features a secure median separation for opposing traffic directions. Pedestrians and cyclists should note that this is a major roadway and no separate paths exist.

The bridge passes directly over an oil refinery and has been temporarily closed during industrial incidents in the past. A notable event was a major fire at a nearby refinery in the mid-1970s.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1951

Official opening: 1951

GPS coordinates: 39.89810,-75.21170

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49