This massive blue suspension bridge crosses the Delaware River -- carrying six lanes of traffic -- and connects Philadelphia I-676 with US Route 30 in Camden NJ. This bridge was originally erected in 1926 and held the national record for the world's longest suspension bridge at 533 meters for three years, until it was beat out in 1929 by the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit.
Crossing this bridge into Philadelphia from NJ gives you several options. One can continue straight into Central Philadelphia via I-76, which will take you everywhere from Center City to the airport and straight on past Boathouse Row (the dreaded Schuylkill Expressway) and to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Additionally, you could hop on the Vine St. Expressway, which will take you to the Ben Franklin Parkway and the Art Museum District. Off of the bridge to your immediate right is a 5th St. exit, which will lead you towards Spring Garden Street and further to North Philadelphia. Weaving off to your left is an 8th St exit, that heads towards Chinatown and South Philadelphia. Access to I-95 is available upon crossing the bridge, too.
Providing an excellent view of the Philly skyline to its left and Ben Franklin's grinning cartoon face atop the Electric Factory to its right, the Ben Franklin Bridge charges a $4 toll for regular vehicles and offers walking lanes which are open to the public from 6am to 6pm.
