Parking Remains Available on Camden Waterfront Ahead of Pope's Visit

Local officials reiterated their position that Camden is the “Gateway to the Pope” during a press conference Friday morning.

Last week, officials announced there are 8,500 parking spaces available on the Camden Waterfront. As of Friday morning, only 275 spaces had been pre-registered.

“I’m not sure what the disconnect is,” Camden Mayor Dana Redd said when speaking of the number of spots still available. “But it’s better to have and not need those spots than to need them and not have them.”

Overall, officials aren’t expecting as many people to descend on the region as previously expected. However, they are still preparing as though 1.5 million people will be in attendance.

“People may make plans on the fly,” Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash said. “Someone in Boston might wake up tomorrow and say ‘instead of going to my local congregation, I’m going to go see the pope.’ And what we see on Saturday may give us a better indication of what we’ll see on Sunday.”

While residents are encouraged to pre-register for parking spots at the Waterfront, no one will be turned away, Redd said. There will be a process for same-day registration, and people can pay on the spot using cash or a card.

Pre-registration can be done through gatewaytothepope.com.

Permits are $30 per vehicle, per day, which Redd said was the standard rate of parking, even for concerts and events.

Those who park at the Waterfront have the option of taking the PATCO from Broadway, walking across the Ben Franklin Bridge or taking the RiverLink Ferry to Penn’s Landing, the recommended option for those with disabilities. There will be no ADA assistance for those walking over the bridge, and bike riders must walk their bikes over the bridge.

“This is a once in a lifetime event with a world leader who has been advocate for service to the sick, poor, oppressed and marginalized,” Nash said. “This pope has reminded all of us of an obligation we have whether you are Catholic or Non-Catholic to help those less fortunate than ourselves and always act with humility.”

Walking routes have been established for visitors traveling from the Waterfront and the Walter Rand Transportation Center to the Ben Franklin Bridge. Overnight sleeping in cars, parks, parking lots and camping is strictly prohibited.

PATCO and NJ Transit will continue to sell special tickets for the event on Saturday and Sunday.

Portions of I-676 will be closed and the Admiral Wilson Boulevard will be closed as well. Pre-registered vehicles will have access to parking on the waterfront and will be given the ability to get into the city. These closures will coincide with the Ben Franklin Bridge closing at 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26. In addition, based on expected volume for the Pontiff’s visit other impacted roads include I-295 and Routes 38, 42, 45, 47, 55, 70, 73, 76, 90, 130, 168 and 322.

Camden residents have been asked to limit travel, but no one is banned from using any local roads when needed.

In the attached image, Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash speaks about Pope Francis’s visit to the region this weekend.