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How Much Did it Cost to Build the Ben Franklin Bridge?

The Ben Franklin Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Delaware River between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey, built in 1926. It is one of the most iconic bridges in the United States.

Construction of the bridge cost $37 million in 1926. That’s equivalent to \$588 million in 2022 dollars. The bridge was paid for by a combination of state and local funds, as well as tolls from motorists.

The bridge’s cost was a significant investment at the time, but it has since paid for itself many times over. The bridge carries millions of vehicles and pedestrians each year, and it is a major economic driver for the region.

The Ben Franklin Bridge is a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the people who built it. It is also a reminder of the importance of infrastructure investment. Well-built infrastructure can last for centuries and provide a foundation for economic growth.

Here are some of the factors that contributed to the high cost of building the Ben Franklin Bridge:

  • The bridge is a very large structure. It is 1,750 feet long and 350 feet high.
  • The bridge is made of steel, which is a very expensive material.
  • The bridge was built during the Great Depression, when labor and materials were scarce.
  • The bridge was designed by a team of world-renowned engineers, which drove up the cost.

Despite the high cost, the Ben Franklin Bridge is a valuable asset to the region. It is a symbol of cooperation between Philadelphia and Camden, and it is a major economic driver. The bridge is also a popular tourist destination, and it offers stunning views of the Delaware River.

The Ben Franklin Bridge is a reminder that infrastructure investment can be a wise investment. Well-built infrastructure can last for centuries and provide a foundation for economic growth.