With its striking cable-stayed design, the Schuylkill River Pedestrian Bridge creates a vital new connection for cyclists and pedestrians, reshaping how people move through Philadelphia. The new 650-foot-long, 25-foot-wide cable-bridge runs along the river’s east bank, connecting the current southern end of the Schuylkill River Trail at Christian Street to the Grays Ferry Crescent segment at 34th Street.
Completed in May 2025, the new pedestrian bridge is part of a 4-mile constructed stretch of an 8-mile planned Philadelphia section of the 128-mile Schuylkill River Trail. Currently under construction, the completed trail will provide a continuous hiking and biking path from Schuylkill County down to the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers at the Delaware Bay.
This one-of-a-kind cable-stayed bridge in Pennsylvania provides the missing link across these neighborhoods, eliminating what had been a 15-year-old gap in the trail. It provides an entirely off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists between Center City and Grays Ferry Crescent.
Situated in an active industrial area and lacking a traditional land base, this segment was among the most challenging to design and build. Today, the completed bridge stands as a testament to innovative engineering and Philadelphia’s commitment to expanding pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Marrying practicality and innovation
Developing a place-making bridge that would be elegant and practical was a thoughtful, deliberate process — one strongly supported by the Schuylkill River Development Corporation and the City of Philadelphia. The initial effort began in 2016 with a completed feasibility study that explored four bridge types and recommended a straight alignment across the river.
As the design evolved, we narrowed our focus to three bridge types and re-examined the proposed alignment. Rather than following the study’s straight path, we introduced a graceful curve—an adjustment that allowed us to select a cable-stayed bridge, the most elegant option available.
This change wasn’t purely aesthetic. The project area includes several active industrial operations, such as a barge-accessible loading dock for a nearby power plant. Curving the bridge alignment helped us avoid these and other constraints, while also allowing the bridge to better integrate with the surrounding landscape. The bridge alignment also had to run tight against the shoreline and pass underneath both a rail bridge and the Schuylkill Expressway bridge, introducing vertical limitations that further shaped our design approach.
The result is a bridge that blends innovation and practicality — a marriage that harnessed the opportunity to deliver a truly transformative landmark.
Smart planning, smooth execution
Building the bridge came with its share of challenges. Because there was no land base for this segment, construction had to be carried out entirely from the water. Our team relied on conventional methods to build a highly complex structure—one that is both elegant and offers an exceptional pedestrian experience.
Careful planning by the contractor helped navigate the complications of working in a tidal river. Beam fabrication was completed off-site and delivered via barges on the river, allowing for efficient assembly on the water. Installing drilled shaft foundations below the waterline required special attention due to variable soil conditions, scour, and environmental protection requirements.
Cable installation brought a unique set of considerations. This type of installation is uncommon and not typically within the experience of most general contractors. To ensure success, we required that bidders engage cable installation experts early in the process. These specialists were brought on-site to support the installation of the cables.
Designed for people first
The Schuylkill River Pedestrian Bridge is more than just a crossing — it’s a celebration of connection, collaboration, and community-focused design. This landmark structure transforms the way people move through Philadelphia, linking neighborhoods that were once separated by barriers of infrastructure and industry.
Despite the complexities of building in a tidal river with no land base, the team delivered a graceful, high-performing bridge that enhances the experience for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Its striking cable-stayed form, with lattice patterns inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge, solved technical challenges while also creating a visual icon along the river.
By closing a long-standing gap in the Schuylkill River Trail, the bridge plays a key role in expanding access to green space, supporting healthier, more sustainable ways of getting around the city. It’s a testament to what’s possible when vision, innovation, and practical engineering come together — and it stands as a proud addition to Philadelphia’s growing network of people-centered infrastructure.