The Chestnut Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River will close for renovation on Monday, Aug. 5. The bridge will be closed to all traffic – cars, pedestrians and bicycles – for approximately one year.

The closure will result in many changes in traffic pattern, volume and detours in the area, including public transportation. SEPTA buses 21 and 42 are detouring around the bridge to cross the Schuylkill on Market Street. Traffic congestion and travel delays should be anticipated during this time. 

The project is part of PennDOT’s $103.5 million Chestnut Street Bridges project, which includes rehabilitation of Chestnut Street, the Chestnut Street Bridge and seven adjacent or nearby structures, between 31st Street and 23rd Street. Construction began in August 2017 and the completion date is now estimated as late 2020.

The first Chestnut Street Bridge opened in 1866, and the main spans of the bridge were replaced in 1957. In 2011, a weight restriction was placed on the bridge due to its age.

More information about the Chestnut Street Bridges project can be found here.

Pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle detour maps are available here.