Ben Franklin Bridge closes Saturday for 100-year celebration
The Ben Franklin Bridge will close to all vehicular traffic on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a free centennial celebration marking 100 years since the span opened. The Delaware River Port Authority is turning the roadway over to pedestrians for a rare walk across one of the region's most iconic landmarks.
Philadelphia's summer calendar is already packed with MLB All-Star Week, but Saturday belongs to the Ben Franklin Bridge celebration. Drivers crossing between Pennsylvania and New Jersey should plan alternate routes before heading out.
Key Takeaways
- The bridge closes to cars in both directions from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 11.
- A free public event runs 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Camden side near the toll plaza.
- Attendees can walk the bridge roadway, enjoy food trucks, live music, and historic displays.
- Use the Walt Whitman or Betsy Ross Bridge for driving, or take PATCO with complimentary shuttles.
- MLB All-Star Week is also bringing separate Center City road closures through Tuesday.
Why Is the Ben Franklin Bridge Closing on Saturday?
The Delaware River Port Authority is marking the bridge's 100th anniversary with a daylong public event. The span technically turned 100 on July 1, but officials chose Saturday for the main Ben Franklin Bridge celebration so families could attend.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the closure lets the public walk the bridge roadway while it is shut to vehicle traffic. The standard pedestrian walkway will also be closed during the event and is set to reopen at 2:30 p.m.
What Happens at the Ben Franklin Bridge Celebration?
The party runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Camden, New Jersey, side near the toll plaza. USA Today reports the lineup includes food trucks, a live DJ, face painting, yard games, and inflatables.
Historical exhibits, photographs, and artifacts will highlight a century of engineering. Guests can also see maintenance equipment up close, including the "zipper truck" that moves lane barriers. Philadelphia and Camden mayors are among the expected special guests — a draw worth tracking in our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
How Should Drivers and Transit Riders Plan Around the Closure?
Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management confirmed the full traffic shutdown runs until 4 p.m. Motorists can use the Walt Whitman Bridge between Gloucester City and Philadelphia, or the Betsy Ross Bridge between Pennsauken and Philadelphia. NBC10 also notes the Commodore Barry Bridge and Delaware Memorial Bridge remain open.
PATCO will run enhanced service with trains every 15 minutes, per DRPA officials cited by NBC10. Complimentary shuttles will connect PATCO's City Hall Station in Camden and Franklin Square Station in Philadelphia to the event site. Parking options in Camden include free lots at select Rutgers University locations and paid spots at Camden County College.
Will Other Philadelphia Events Add to Weekend Traffic?
Yes. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports MLB All-Star Week is bringing its own road closures through Tuesday, July 14. Friday's Budweiser Clydesdales parade will shut Sixth Street between Market and Chestnut from 3 to 6 p.m., while Independence Mall closures for the Red Carpet Show begin Monday.
SEPTA plans extra express Broad Street Line trains around the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game. If you are driving Saturday, factor in both the bridge shutdown and ongoing baseball festivities across the city.