George C. Platt Bridge
Bridge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About
The George C. Platt Memorial Bridge is a through truss bridge that carries PA 291 (Penrose Avenue) over the Schuylkill River in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was opened to traffic in 1951, replacing a swing bridge to the south which carried Penrose Ferry Road across the river. Originally called the Penrose Avenue Bridge, it was renamed in 1979 to honor Civil War hero George Crawford Platt (1842–1912). Today, the Platt Bridge is a key arterial route which carries an average of 56,000 vehicles daily.
In 1967, a steel dividing wall was installed to separate eastbound from westbound traffic lanes. The lack of a barrier led to more than 30 head-on collisions on the bridge between 1964 and 1967. The coming wall was announced by the State Highway Department on November 15, 1967.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
Schuylkill River
River in eastern Pennsylvania, United States
1.3 mi away
1975 Philadelphia Gulf refinery fire
Fire at refinery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
0.3 mi away
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park
Public park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1.5 mi away
Hanwha Philly Shipyard
Commercial shipyard in Philadelphia
1.4 mi away
USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931)
US Navy destroyer
1.2 mi away
Fort Beversreede
Notable place
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Tickets and tours for George C. Platt Bridge
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