DRPA, PATCO Release Prohibited Items List For Papal Visit
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Officials from the Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO today released the list of items that will be prohibited on the Ben Franklin Bridge and in the PATCO system during the weekend of the Papal Visit.
Officials say the list is virtually identical to restrictions issued by the U.S. Secret Service for events at Independence Mall and on the Ben Franklin Parkway on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27.
The exception is that bicycles will be permitted on the Ben Franklin Bridge during the period in which it is used for pedestrian access, according to officials. Officials say bicycles must be walked across the bridge and will not be permitted on PATCO trains.
Bicycles are prohibited at Papal Visit events in both the Ben Franklin Parkway and Independence Hall secured zones, according to officials.
To accommodate individuals with small children, officials say strollers will also be permitted on the Ben Franklin Bridge and PATCO trains. Because of expected larger than usual crowds, PATCO riders will be required to collapse strollers while on the trains, according to officials.
"We feel that it is prudent and appropriate to apply the same standards for prohibited items as the Secret Service," said DRPA CEO John Hanson in a news release. "We've opted to deviate slightly and make the exception for bikes on the bridge to accommodate bicycle riders who wish to participate in events or patronize businesses outside of the Ben Franklin Parkway and Independence Hall secured perimeters."
The Ben Franklin Bridge will close to vehicle traffic on Friday, September 25 at 10 p.m. It will reopen to vehicles at or around 12 p.m. on Monday, September 28.
PATCO will provide service to Center City Philadelphia between Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Ferry Avenue and Broadway stations.
For more information, please visit the DRPA/PATCO Papal Visit webpage at www.drpa.org/papalvisit.
