Benjamin Franklin Bridge South Walkway Bicycle & Pedestrian Ramp
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge South Walkway Bicycle & Pedestrian Ramp Project will replace the existing stairway on the south side of the Bridge in Camden with a new ramp structure. The proposed ramp will improve connectivity between Philadelphia and Camden for pedestrians and bicycles and encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation for both commuter and recreational users. The proposed ramp will provide safe and efficient access to the South Walkway and will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Delaware River Port Authority invited bicyclists, walkers, advocates for people for with disabilities and other stakeholders to a public meeting to discuss these design options on Tuesday, May 14 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the 11th Floor Board Room at One Port Center. Download a PDF of the presentation.
Below are the proposed alternatives with descriptions. We welcome your feedback. Please feel free to send us your comments or questions to bikeramp@drpa.org.
ALTERNATIVE 1 - RAMP to 4th STREET
Alternative 1 is a multiple switchback ramp. This alternative begins at the top of the existing stairway and ends at the intersection of 4th and Pearl Streets. Alternative 1 provides four, 10 foot wide ramp segments with 5% slopes. Landing areas are provided at the ends of each ramp segment. The total length of Alternative 1 is 573 feet. Cost of construction - $2,800,000
Advantages:
- Lowest cost of 3 alternatives.
- Smallest site disturbance.
Disadvantages:
- Loss of 7 on-street parking spots.
- Visual impact distracts from the aesthetics of the Bridge.
- Does not widen existing South Walkway between 3rd and 4th Streets.
ALTERNATIVE 2 – RAMP to 5th STREET
Alternative 2 is a single continuous ramp. This alternative begins on the existing walkway just west of 3rd Street and ends just west of the existing 5th Street Pedestrian Tunnel. Alternative 2 provides one continuous, 10 foot wide ramp with a 5% slope. The total length of Alternative 2 is 833 feet. Cost of construction - $2,900,000
Advantages of this concept are:
- No switchbacks.
- Most of the walkway users are traveling to/from 5th Street.
- Minimal visual impact on the Bridge aesthetics.
- Eliminates narrow section of existing South Walkway between 3rd and 4th Streets.
Disadvantages of this concept are:
- Larger site disturbance.
- Loss of 7 on-street parking spots.
ALTERNATIVE 3 – RAMP to 2nd STREET
Alternative 3 is a switchback ramp. This alternative begins on the existing walkway just west of 3rd Street and descends towards the west. Alternative 3 switches back towards the east and ends at the intersection of 2nd and Pearl Streets. Alternative 3 provides two, 10 foot wide ramp segments with 5% slopes. The total length of Alternative 3 is 965 feet. Cost of construction - $4,300,000.
Advantages of this concept are:
- No impact to on-street parking.
- Provides a wider alternative to the narrow stretch of walkway between 3rd and 4th Streets.
Disadvantages of this concept are:
- Highest cost.
- Longest travel length.
- Visual impact distracts from the aesthetics of the Bridge.
- Directs pedestrian & bicycles away from where existing users are traveling to/from.
Comment Form
Thank you for participating in the public outreach activities for the Ben Franklin Bridge South Walkway Bicycle & Pedestrian Ramp Project. Please take a few minutes to download and fill out this comment form so we may better under- stand your concerns. Thank you for taking the time to give us your comments and suggestions. Comment Forms may be dropped into the box provided at the meeting this evening or mailed to Delaware River Port Authority, Customer Service, One Port Center, 2 Riverside Drive, P.O. BOX 1949, Camden, NJ 08101. You may also email your responses to bikeramp@drpa.org.
