7/10/2012

PRESS RELEASE: MAYOR NUTTER HOSTS LIGHTING CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE FINAL DETAIL OF SOUTH STREET BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION

Philadelphia, July 10, 2012– Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced yesterday that the South Street Bridge has become the newest structure to illuminate Philadelphia’s skyline. Glass towers with decorative programmable LED lighting have been installed on the bridge, which reopened to pedestrian and vehicular traffic on Nov. 6, 2010. The lighting is the final construction detail on a $67 million project that was completed on budget and one month early. The new South Street Bridge is the winner of four awards, including the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Project of the Year and Roads and Bridges Magazine’s 2012 Bridge of the Year.

“With the final touches on the South Street Bridge complete, Philadelphia residents and visitors can view brilliant light shows on the towers,” said Mayor Nutter. “This bridge serves several communities and thousands of people on a daily basis. I thank Deputy Mayor Cutler and Commissioner Tolson for their leadership on this project.”

The bridge serves the needs of all its users, including more than 30,000 daily pedestrians, bicyclists, buses, and commercial and private vehicles. It features dedicated bicycle lanes that are more than six feet wide. The sidewalks of the new bridge are 2-ft. wider than the sidewalks on the old bridge. In addition, ramp and stairway connections have been constructed so that there are direct links to the future extension of the Schuylkill River trail. New pedestrian entrances provide access to the University Regional Rail Station and the University of Pennsylvania’s Hollenback Hall. The decorative lights on the bridge are fully programmable and an array of colors and special effects can be displayed.

"Our bridges are built to last generations. When we invest in bridges it is important that the structure's design and aesthetics represent the values of the community. The entire project is an example of a strong government-community partnership. The lighting on the South Street Bridge is a feature that will stand the test of time," Rina Cutler Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities.

“The new South Street Bridge is a multi-modal connector that reflects the vision and values of the adjoining communities,” said Streets Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson. “The lighted towers honor the pilot house structures that once adorned the South St. Bridge and controlled the lift span on the old draw bridge. The new towers are an important civic gesture which will serve as a gateway to Southwest Center City and West Philadelphia."

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