Philadelphia Swing Bridge to Open for Trail Users
Walkers and cyclists gain a new link between Bartram's Garden and Grays Ferry along the Schuylkill.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hiking
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Philadelphia's Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge is scheduled to open November 13, 2026, at 2 p.m., connecting Bartram's Garden and Grays Ferry for trail users. The 1,000-foot crossing sits just south of Grays Ferry Avenue and links 1.4 miles of trail to the south with seven miles of trail to the north through Center City.
Why it matters
For hikers and trail walkers in Philadelphia, the bridge closes a gap that previously interrupted a long riverfront route, making continuous trail travel along the Schuylkill more practical. The crossing replaces a railroad swing bridge that stood at the site for more than 100 years before its 2018 demolition.
The figures come from a description of the bridge's construction and planned opening, not from usage or safety testing. Measurements such as the 1,000-foot length and the roughly 60,000 pounds of central steel are stated without independent verification.
The players
Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge
A pedestrian and trail crossing over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, linking Bartram's Garden and Grays Ferry.
The details
The bridge pivots on a central point, allowing its steel truss to swing, and an operator activates the movement from a control panel. Gates stop pedestrians from crossing while the structure moves, and warning bells and an air horn signal trail users. The full opening or closing cycle takes about three minutes, and the truss is balanced so the central steel can be pushed by hand.
Timeline
2018: The former railroad swing bridge at the site was demolished to make way for the crossing.
November 13, 2026, at 2 p.m.: The Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge is scheduled to open.
Health Landscape
The crossing replaces a century-old railroad swing bridge demolished in 2018 with a walking and biking link at the same site. It extends an existing network so that a 70-mile trail from Reading reaches Philadelphia.
Trail walkers and cyclists in Philadelphia can plan longer continuous routes along the riverfront once the crossing opens. Anyone considering a longer outdoor outing is encouraged to check trail conditions and talk with a clinician about any exertion limits first.
The takeaway
The new crossing adds a practical link for riverfront trail users in Philadelphia. Plan your route around the scheduled November 13, 2026, opening, and check with your physician before starting a longer hike.
What happens next
The Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge is scheduled to open November 13, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Further reading
For more on routes like this one, browse our Hiking coverage of trails and outdoor walking.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC10 Philadelphia.
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