Three Key Facts:
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- A $14.2 million federal grant – funded by Joe Biden’s clean energy plan – will strengthen the Bells Mill Road and Valley Green Road bridges, protecting them from chronic flooding and addressing critical safety concerns.
- The Bells Mill Road Bridge will be reduced to one lane, while the Valley Green Road Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists but closed to cars. Drivers can access the Inn via Wise’s Mill Road.
- The project ensures safer, more resilient infrastructure for Northwest Philadelphia, preserving iconic bridges and enhancing access to Wissahickon Valley Park for generations.
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The Bells Mill Road and Valley Green Road bridges – two of northwest Philadelphia’s most iconic stone bridges – are getting a new lease on life. Thanks to a $14.2 million federal grant, both bridges will be strengthened to protect them against chronic flooding.
“This is tremendous news for Philadelphia, and for residents and others who travel our roads in Northwest Philadelphia on their way to and from Wissahickon Valley Park, a beautiful section of our City,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
Addressing Aging Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
Philadelphia’s infrastructure faces mounting pressures from extreme weather events. The 200-year-old stone arch bridges on Bells Mill and Valley Green roads are battered by rising water pressure whenever the Wissahickon Creek floods. As the flooding has worsened in recent years, the situation has become more dire.
Both bridges are listed in poor condition on the National Bridge Inventory, which highlights spans most in need of attention. In their current state, these bridges are vulnerable to further damage, threatening the safety of commuters and emergency responders.
Federal Funding for a Safer, Greener Future
The $14.2 million investment, which comes from Joe Biden’s clean energy plan, will reinforce the structural integrity of the bridges, safeguarding them against future floods. Modern upgrades will enhance their longevity while ensuring they meet the needs of Northwest Philadelphia’s residents and visitors.
The Bells Mill Road Bridge and the Valley Green Road Bridge provide vital routes for residents and emergency services to access key facilities including Chestnut Hill Hospital. Both bridges also serve as a gateway to Wissahickon Valley Park, a popular recreation spot attracting thousands of visitors annually.
During construction, the Bells Mill Road Bridge, a vital link between Chestnut Hill and Roxborough, will be reduced to a single lane. The Valley Green Road Bridge, primarily used by hikers and cyclists, will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists but closed to cars during construction. Drivers heading to the Inn will need to access it from the Roxborough side of the park via Wise’s Mill Road.
Building Stronger Communities
Philadelphia’s $14.2 million bridge rehabilitation project illustrates how federal funding can address critical infrastructure needs while fostering safety, resilience, and historical preservation. By strengthening these bridges, the initiative sets the stage for a more sustainable future and underscores the transformative impact of the infrastructure package.
“We’re so grateful to see these dollars get spent — to have these bridges restored, maintained and made an asset for generations to come,” said Ruffian Tittmann, executive director of Friends of the Wissahickon.
