Across the Schuylkill River stands the Strawberry Mansion Bridge a testament to engineering and history. Built between 1896 and 1897 this magnificent structure wasn’t just any bridge. It was originally a trolley bridge a vital link in Fairmount Park’s transportation system. The Fairmount Park Transportation Company operated a street railway line for fifty years using the Strawberry Mansion Bridge. This 8.8-mile line connected the East and West Parks. The bridge also accommodated pedestrians and carriages.
Charles H. Porter a Philadelphia politician spearheaded this project. There was a fierce competition between the Phoenix Bridge Company and the Pencoyd Iron Works both vying for the construction contract. The Phoenix Bridge Company ultimately won. The bridge’s construction was a major undertaking one of the largest of its kind in the United States.
The Strawberry Mansion Bridge is 1237 feet long and 790 feet wide. It features four wrought-iron arches on three stone piers. Three Warren trusses support the viaducts on the east and west approaches. The bridge had a 40-foot-wide carriageway and a 12-foot pedestrian sidewalk. A double-track trolley right of way ran along the south side separated from the other traffic by a railing. This unique right of way still exists today unused.
The trolley line itself was single track except for a short distance. It provided access to wooded areas of the park otherwise inaccessible. It even served Woodside Park an amusement park owned by the trolley company. The line was profitable as long as it served park visitors and recreation. The Fairmount Park Transit Company bought the line in 1917. The bridge required repairs by 1927. By 1933 the deterioration was severe. The city ultimately took over the bridge in 1939.
The rise of automobiles and the aging trolley system led to the line’s closure in 1946. The trolley tracks were auctioned off. The bridge then transitioned to carrying all types of traffic except trolleys. In 1996 the bridge closed again due to severe deterioration. The City of Philadelphia undertook a massive restoration. The restoration included recreating the bridge’s original appearance. The reopened bridge even boasts a new pedestrian promenade. This promenade utilizes the old trolley lanes. This smart addition allows visitors to enjoy scenic views of the river and the bridge’s intricate structure. The Strawberry Mansion Bridge stands today a remarkable symbol of Philadelphia’s past and present a beautiful blend of history and modern accessibility.