Ben Franklin Bridge May Close During Pope's Visit

By KARA SEYMOUR (Patch Staff)

The Ben Franklin Bridge may close to traffic during the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia in September, according to a report by the Inquirer.

The Inquirer reports that closing the bridge during the Pope’s visit on Sept. 26 and 27 is under consideration by the Secret Service.

No decision on the closure has been made, according to the report.

Pope Francis will be at the World Meeting of Families, which is being held from September 22 through September 27. His two-day visit is expected to attract more than 1.5 million visitors to the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Here is his itinerary for the Philadelphia portion of his trip, according to the Vatican:

Saturday, Sept. 26

• 8:40 a.m. Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
• 9:30 a.m. Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia
• 10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
• 4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Mall
• 7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Sunday, Sept. 27

• 9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at at St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
• 11:00 a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
• 4:00 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• 7:00 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation
• 8:00 p.m. Departure for Rome