Ben Franklin Bridge To Close During Pope's Visit

By KARA SEYMOUR (Patch Staff)

The Ben Franklin Bridge will close during the Pope’s visit next month, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced Wednesday during a news conference.

During the press conference, Nutter outlined numerous security measures during the Pope’s visit to the city for the World Meeting of Families.

The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, to noon on Monday, Sept. 28, Philly.com reported.

Road closures are also planned, but Route 95 will be open, Philly.com said.

Pope Francis will be arriving in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 26.

His tentative itinerary includes:

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