Newly updated Market Street Bridge (Photos by Ben Tran)

The Market Street Bridge, which is used by more than 6,000 pedestrians every day, has just received some nice updates. University City District (UCD) once again teamed up with Groundswell Design, the landscape architecture firm behind the revamped Porch at 30th St. Station, to create enhancements to the pedestrian experience on the iconic bridge connecting West Philadelphia and Center City.

These new pedestrian-friendly elements include 120 custom, lightweight planters with lush greenery; bleacher seating that offers great views of the Schuylkill River; and four large gateway pergolas positioned at the main points of entry. The new features also help soften noise from vehicular traffic on the bridge. 

UCD also partnered with Center City District and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation to plan, design and execute this project. The importance of the Schuylkill River was recognized when working on the project.

The improvements to the bridge were made possible in part thanks to a grant by the William Penn Foundation and support from the Joanna McNeil Trust.

It took just under 10 weeks to complete the project to be ready in time for Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. Check out this cool time-lapse video from the beginning of the project to the end.