PHILADELPHIA – A temporary complete closure of the University Avenue Drawbridge is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11th, for routine maintenance announced Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams. If the work being done is completed before 3:00 p.m., the bridge above the Schuylkill River may open earlier.

The University Avenue Drawbridge will be closed to all traffic including pedestrians and bicyclists.  No detours will be posted for this short duration closure.  Alternate Schuylkill River crossings include Gray’s Ferry Avenue to the south or the Schuylkill Expressway and South Street Bridge to the north. Travel restrictions for the bridge include the following:

Northbound traffic on University Avenue will be stopped at Gray’s Ferry Avenue.
Southbound traffic will be stopped at the entrance to the westbound Schuylkill Expressway.
The eastbound Schuylkill Expressway ramp will remain open – but traffic exiting on this ramp will not be permitted to travel southbound on University Avenue.

This temporary closure will allow Streets Department employees to safely perform routine, yet necessary maintenance to the drawbridge and its machinery.  This work has been scheduled during weekend hours, in order to expedite the repairs and minimize the disruption to motorists. 

All work will be completed and traffic will be restored by 3:00 p.m.  For the duration of the work, Streets Department crews will make every effort to minimize the inconvenience to affected drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  The Streets Department thanks residents in advance for their patience and cooperation during this project. 

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