Tacony Palmyra Bridge

located on the Delaware River in Northeast Philadelphia

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Tacony Palmyra Bridge

A vital link between the Tacony section of NE Philadelphia and Palmyra, NJ, built in 1927-29 for 5 million dollars. For a long time it was popularly known as the "Nickel Bridge" (this is no longer the toll charged). The bridge was designed by the engineering firm of Modjeski and Masters of Harrisburg, PA. It is a steel, tied arch construction combined with a double-bascule drawbridge section. Chief Engineer for this bridge was Ralph Modjeski. Though classified as "functionally obsolescent" this bridge is an example of masterful design that uses optimal engineering solutions to do the job. It was reinforced during the 1990s and is expected to serve well into the twenty-first century. Despite its functional appearance the bridge is a popular landmark in the area.

Ralph Modjeski (Rudolf Modrzejewski) was born in Poland, the son of the actress Helena Modjeska. He graduated from the Ecole des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, France where he studied bridge engineering.

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Tacony-Palmyra Bridge with the drawbridge in the open position.
photograph courtesy of Basia and Leonard Myszynski, sOlareye communications

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This bronze plaque is located at the New Jersey toll plaza. It lists the engineers: Ralph Modjeski, Frank M. Masters, and Clement E. Chase. Also mentioned is consulting architect: Paul P. Cret.