100 Years

of Connections

For a century, the Ben Franklin Bridge has connected Philadelphia and Camden, linking communities, supporting commerce, and moving millions of people across the Delaware River. Join us as we celebrate this historic milestone and look ahead to the next 100 years.

A Century of Connection

Since opening in 1926, the Ben Franklin Bridge has served as a vital link between Philadelphia and Camden, connecting millions of people across the Delaware River each year. Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, it remains an enduring symbol of engineering innovation and regional pride. A century later, the bridge continues to move our communities forward.

Countdown to the Anniversary Celebration

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026

Be part of the excitement
on July 11th!

Commemorating a Regional Landmark

The celebration will recognize the bridge’s impact on the region over the past century. It will also highlight its continued importance for future generations.

Live Entertainment & Activities

Enjoy live music, performances, food trucks, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. There will be something for everyone to experience and enjoy.

Historical Features & Exhibits

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with historical content, including a pop-up museum highlighting the bridge’s legacy. Exhibits will showcase bridge artifacts and pieces from throughout its history.

Ben Franklin Bridge

Plan Your Visit

The 100th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026 with a rain date of Sunday, July 12. Additional details, including event hours, will be announced soon.

The celebration will take place on the Camden, New Jersey side near the Ben Franklin Bridge toll plaza. The main event area will be centered around this location, with maps and details coming soon.

Yes, this is a free, family-friendly event designed for attendees of all ages.

The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to all traffic during the event to accommodate the celebration. Motorists will be directed to use the nearby Walt Whitman Bridge as an alternate route. Additional details, including timing, will be announced in advance.

Updates and event details will be posted on this page and across DRPA social media channels. You can also sign up for our email list to receive the latest information.Click here to sign up.

100 Years of the Ben: The Facts That Built an Icon

  • It Had a Different Name: The Ben Franklin Bridge was originally called the Delaware River Bridge when it opened in 1926.
  • It Was Once the Longest in the World: At the time of its opening, it was the longest suspension bridge on Earth.
  • Built for More Than Cars: The bridge was designed for cars, trains, trolleys, and pedestrians; all in one structure.
  • It Took 4.5 Years to Build. Construction began in 1922 and was completed in 1926- an incredible feat for its time.
  • A Million Rivets Strong: Hundreds of thousands of rivets, installed high above the river, hold the structure together.
  • A Star of the Screen: Featured in films like Rocky and National Treasure, the opening of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Simpsons, and regularly seen in local newscasts.
  • It Could Wrap the Earth. If all the wires in the bridge’s main cables were stretched end-to-end, they could circle the globe.
  • It’s Still Bringing People Together. From daily commutes to walks, bike rides, and major celebrations, the bridge continues to connect millions each year.

1926 Toll Schedule:

25

cents for a car

15

cents for a horse

30

cents for a horse drawn carriage

Vendor Opportunities

Interested in being part of the Ben Franklin Bridge 100th Anniversary celebration? We are gathering vendor interest for this once-in-a-century event. Submit your information below to be included as planning continues. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Event Vendors
DRPA

Stewardship. Service. Community.

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency that serves as steward of four bridges that cross the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey: the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges. Through its Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO), the DRPA also operates a transit line between Camden County, New Jersey and Center City Philadelphia.

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