Three Delaware River bridges are to close Friday morning as the SS United States leaves a South Philly pier en route to its final resting place off the coast of Florida.
The oceanliner is to be towed down the Delaware River at low tide around 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, according to a press release from the City of Destin in Florida.
The ship is currently docked at Pier 82 along Delaware Avenue, just north of the Walt Whitman Bridge.
The Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322) and Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295) are to briefly close to make way for the ship Friday morning.
Traffic might be denser at the Commodore Barry since it’s been slated to undergo closure for several 15-minute intervals Mondays through Fridays between 9:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to allow for the installation of an overhead work platform, according to the Port Authority website.
SS United States’ storied history
First launched in 1951, the SS United States still holds the transatlantic speed record. It had transported tourists, members of the military, presidents, entertainment celebrities, tourists and immigrants until the advent of the jet engines rendered it outdated and led to its decommission in 1969, according to the SS United States Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that honors the ship’s heritage.
The ship, which is approximately 1,000 feet long, is now to be sunk off the coast of Florida. Okaloosa County officials acquired it to convert it into an artificial reef, aiming to improve the panhandle’s seabed and stimulate tourism in the area.
“I am extremely proud of our team and the effort required to achieve this tremendous next step in bringing such a breathtaking vessel to the waters of Destin-Fort Walton Beach,” Okaloosa County board Chairman Paul Mixon said in a press release.
The SS United States is first to dock in Mobile, Alabama, where the ship is to be readied to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
“Converting the world’s fastest ship into the world’s largest artificial reef will write a new chapter for the SS United States as a world-class destination,” conservancy President Susan Gibbs also said in a release.
Officials said the ships departure date is subject to change. Those interested in tracking the ship’s last voyage can do so at destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus/online.
Reporter Jess Rohan can be reached at jrohan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Why are Philly bridges closing Friday for historic ship’s final sail
