Southbound side of Falls Bridge closed to drivers

FAIRMOUNT PARK (WPVI) -- The southbound side of the Falls Bridge in Fairmount Park was closed to drivers on Tuesday.

Crews are preparing for a major rehabilitation project.

And starting next Monday, February 1st, the bridge will close to all vehicle traffic. Drivers will be detoured on to the City Avenue bridges.

That closure will stay in place until April 1st. Bikers and walkers will still have access to the sidewalks.

Officials say the closure is temporary, but an emergency fix is in the works.

Late last year city inspectors found problems with the Falls Bridge. They discovered rusting of the steel and corrosion of the connections.

The coming closure is so that special brackets can be fitted under the bridge.

The 40 day closure should yield a temporary fix so that the bridge can have a full restoration five or six years down the road.