2 bridges connecting NJ, Philly set to shut down briefly as historic ship heads south

The SS United States, the historic ship docked in Philadelphia for decades, is set to become a large artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. It is scheduled to be towed away on Friday, Nov. 15.

The departure will lead to the temporary shutdown of two major bridges connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry bridges.

Delaware River Port Authority, the agency that handles operations for the bridges, said there were no plans to fully close the bridges. Traffic would likely be stopped briefly, however.

Traffic might be denser at the Commodore Barry since it has been slated to undergo closure for several 15-minute intervals Mondays through Fridays between 9:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to facilitate the installation of an overhead work platform, the Port Authority posted on its website.

First launched in 1951, the SS United States is a prominent vessel that still holds the transatlantic speed record. It has 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presidents, entertainment celebrities, tourists and immigrants until the advent of the jet engines rendered it outdated and led to its decommission in 1969, according to the SS United States Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that honors the ship's heritage.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 roughly 1,000-foot long ship will now rest off the coast of Florida after Okaloosa County acquired it to convert it into an artificial reef, aiming to improve the panhandle's seabed and stimulate tourism in the area.

“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 said in a release.

“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 the 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.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Commuter alert: Bridges between NJ, Philly set to close briefly