Girard Avenue Bridge

Spanning the Schuylkill River, the Girard Avenue Bridge isn’t just a way to cross; it’s a story in three parts. The current Girard Avenue Bridge, completed in 1972, is actually the third bridge to grace this spot. Imagine Philadelphia in the mid-1800s. The first Girard Avenue Bridge, a timber-arched Howe truss structure, was completed in 1855. This bridge, designed by Rudolph Hering, was a vital link, carrying not only Girard Avenue but also a horse-drawn trolley line, later to become SEPTA Route 15. Sadly, this first bridge was deemed poorly constructed and unsafe less than 20 years later. A temporary bridge was erected while the second bridge took shape. Fast forward to 1874, the year of the Centennial Exposition in Fairmount Park. The second Girard Avenue Bridge made its grand debut, just days after the Philadelphia Zoo opened its gates. This iron Pratt truss bridge was considered the largest high bridge in the United States at the time, stretching an impressive 1,000 feet long and 100 feet wide. It quickly became an iconic landmark. This second bridge served Philadelphia for nearly a century. Now, look at the Girard Avenue Bridge we see today. While modern, it carries a piece of the past. The ornate iron railings from the 1874 bridge were preserved and incorporated into the current design. And the Route 15 trolley, which once relied on horses, now runs across this modern span, a testament to the bridge’s enduring connection to Philadelphia’s history. The Girard Avenue Bridge links more than just two sides of the Schuylkill; it connects us to Philadelphia’s past, reminding us of the city’s constant evolution.