H&H is providing movable bridge engineering services as part of the Philadelphia Trail Master Plan. H&H designed and integrated a mechanical and electrical system for a fully operating swing bridge that meets ADA requirements and provides easy access across the river for pedestrians and cyclists that is a safe alternative to Gray’s Ferry Avenue Bridge. H&H worked with the truss designers to develop a center pivot support framing system that transfers the truss loads to the pivot bearing while allowing for scenic overlooks at the center span. H&H’s mechanical design included the design of the center pivot bearing, rack and pinion operating machinery, end lift, and span lock machinery. H&H’s electrical work included the design of the power distribution, motor control, and PLC control systems that rotate and control the swing span during operation.
The bridge and corresponding rail line will be converted from carrying railroad cars to pedestrians as part of the Schuylkill River Trail network, which is over 130 miles long. The proposed through truss swing span will carry a ten-foot-wide multi-use trail across the Schuylkill River and serve as a key connector between Gray’s Ferry Crescent and Bartram’s Mile on the east and west banks of the Schuylkill River respectively. The project design was completed in 2017 and is currently in construction.
