Camden set for pilgrims amid Ben Franklin Bridge closure

CAMDEN (WPVI) -- The Ben Franklin Bridge shut down Friday night and will remain closed until Monday at noon.

The operations command center in Camden houses a conglomerate of law enforcement agencies working to keep the pilgrims safe for the papal visit.

Their mantra is "Camden is the gateway to the pope."

Outside Camden City Hall, a field hospital is being set up.

Thousands are expected to cross into Philadelphia either by ferry, walking the closed Ben Franklin Bridge, or taking PATCO at one of its four stations.

So far, 18,000 PATCO passes have been sold.

"There are many PATCO passes still available, but the DRPA and PATCO will make transportation available on the day of the event; you don't need the PATCO pass in advance," Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash said.

"We are ready. Our police officers and public servants will be out on the pedestrian routes. They are there to help you; they are ambassadors," Director of Public Safety Robin Blaker said.

Parking is plentiful along the Camden waterfront.

But papal visitors need to be aware of road closures: Admiral Wilson Boulevard is shut down at Airport Circle and I-676 is closed from Morgan Blvd to the bridge.

"We want to remind you that there will not be no overnight sleeping in vehicles, in parks, or in parking lots or any camping," Mayor Dana Redd said.

For more information visit gatewaytothepope.com.