Urban is proud to announce the completion and grand opening of a transformative infrastructure project in Philadelphia, the new Cable-Stayed Pedestrian Bridge over the Schuylkill River. On Saturday, May 17, City of Philadelphia officials, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC) cut the ribbon on this remarkable structure, marking a new era for multimodal connectivity in the region.

The 650-foot cable-stayed bridge, featuring a distinctive woven harp design, is only the second of its kind in Pennsylvania. It is part of the Schuylkill River Trail Christian to Crescent Connector segment. The bridge provides a vital link between Center City and South Philadelphia, serving as a key portion of the Schuylkill River Trail and a component of the East Coast Greenway and Circuit Trails.

As part of a $48 million initiative, this project includes:

• 2,800 feet of new trail, connecting South 34th Street at the existing Grays Ferry Crescent to Christian Street and the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
• A reconstructed 34th Street overpass and tunnel connection
• New lighting, benches, landscaping, and other public amenities
   

Urban's Construction Management and Construction Inspection (CMCI) Department played a central role in delivering this project safely, efficiently, and under budget. The team overcame complex site constraints due to the area being industrially active and the riverbank narrowing for a portion of its length. 
 

Project stakeholders who joined the celebration and press event included:

• Mike Carroll, Secretary of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Anthony Williams, PA State Senator
• Jordan Harris, PA State Representative
• Joseph Syrnick, President & CEO, Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC)
• Din Abazzi, District Executive, PennDOT, District 6-0
• Jerry Sweeney, President, Chief Executive Officer, Brandywine Realty Trust
• Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner, City of Philadelphia Department of Streets
• Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
• Shawn McCaney, Executive Director, William Penn Foundation
• Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)

"Years ago, we envisioned this project as a defining piece of Philadelphia's landscape," said Doug Buchek, General Manager of CMCI for Urban Engineers. "Now, we're pleased to see it completed on time, on budget, and already embraced by the public. We're thankful to the stakeholders for choosing Urban to help with this project."
 

"This project exemplifies what is possible through thoughtful design, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for public infrastructure that prioritizes access, sustainability, and beauty," said Jeffrey Roken, Urban's Pennsylvania Business Unit Director.
 

Urban extends special recognition to Wayne Skiles and Chris Redeagle, the firm's construction managers, for their work on the project. Their collaboration with PKF, the contractor, and AECOM, the designer, ensured the project's successful delivery. Their leadership reflects Urban's commitment to high-quality engineering and positive community impact.