Philadelphia Reopens $20M MLK Drive Bridge After Two Years

Philadelphia celebrated the reopening of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Bridge after a $20 million, two-year rehabilitation project funded entirely by federal infrastructure dollars. The 700-foot bridge over the Schuylkill River now features three vehicle lanes—reduced from four—and a widened, 10.5-foot-wide protected shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, significantly improving safety and connectivity for the city's commuters and recreational users. The project included major structural repairs such as replacing the bridge deck, rehabilitating steel girders and piers, and upgrading lighting and ADA-compliant curb ramps. A ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Cherelle Parker marked the reopening to pedestrians and cyclists on Friday, with vehicular traffic resuming the following Monday. Advocates and officials highlighted the bridge as a vital link connecting neighborhoods, providing safer, greener transportation options, and economic opportunities. The renovation also created approximately 200 jobs during construction and aligns with Philadelphia’s vision of a more accessible and sustainable urban infrastructure.