Northampton Street Bridge (Free Bridge)
A historic, toll-free cantilevered thru truss bridge connecting PA and NJ, illuminated nightly with vibrant LEDs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the bridge illuminated
Northampton Street Bridge (Free Bridge)
Best Time
See the bridge illuminated
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, toll-free cantilevered thru truss bridge connecting PA and NJ, illuminated nightly with vibrant LEDs.
"Absolutely spectacular. Proof we can have nice things! And it’s not even a toll bridge!"
🚶♀️ Stroll Across States
Walk from Easton, PA to Phillipsburg, NJ (or vice versa) for a unique cross-state experience. :athletic_shoe:
✨ Nighttime Magic
Don't miss the bridge after dark! The LED lights are truly spectacular and a must-see. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cantilevered Thru Truss Design
The entire bridge span
A rare and unique bridge design, combining elements of suspension and truss structures. A true architectural marvel.
Spectacular LED Night Illumination
The entire bridge span
Witness the bridge come alive at night with vibrant, colorful LED lights that highlight its intricate truss elements.
State Seals of Pennsylvania & New Jersey
Bridge towers
Admire the decorative state seals adorning the bridge towers, adding a touch of historical and regional pride.
Pedestrian Walkways
Both sides of the bridge
Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the bridge, taking in the views of the Delaware River and the surrounding cities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 'Free' Aspect
Recent Renovations & Illumination
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Got hit with $50 admin fee driving across toll bridge with no non-ez-pass lanes
🚶♀️ Stroll Across States
Walk from Easton, PA to Phillipsburg, NJ (or vice versa) for a unique cross-state experience. :athletic_shoe:
✨ Nighttime Magic
Don't miss the bridge after dark! The LED lights are truly spectacular and a must-see. :sparkles:
🚗 Car Traffic Limit
The bridge has a 3-ton weight limit for vehicles. :car:
24/7 Security
The bridge is monitored by 24-hour guards for safety. :shield:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll Across States
Walk from Easton, PA to Phillipsburg, NJ (or vice versa) for a unique cross-state experience. :athletic_shoe:
✨ Nighttime Magic
Don't miss the bridge after dark! The LED lights are truly spectacular and a must-see. :sparkles:
🚗 Car Traffic Limit
The bridge has a 3-ton weight limit for vehicles. :car:
24/7 Security
The bridge is monitored by 24-hour guards for safety. :shield:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Northampton Street Bridge, often called the 'Free Bridge,' for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and especially its vibrant nighttime LED illumination. Many appreciate the rare toll-free crossing and the opportunity for a scenic walk between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While generally well-maintained, some note the importance of adhering to vehicle weight limits.
"If you don’t think this bridge beautiful then I have nothing more to say to you. Constructed in 1896 by the Union Bridge Company of Athens Pennsylvania, this historic span combines many elements in a truly unique fashion making it one of a kind in this country. While at first glance it appears to be an eyebar suspension bridge, which I assumed it was, it’s actually a cantilevered thru truss bridge. After the historic floods of the mid 1950s the central portion of the bridge washed out, something a true suspension bridge could not have withstood. It’s been rehabilitated in 1924, 1957, 1990, 2002, and most recently in 2023. This demonstrates that historic truss bridges can be kept in working order but as with all bridges regular maintenance is essential. The decorative elements on this bridge are second to none, with the states seals of New Jersey and Pennsylvania adorning the two towers. Are those oil derricks as the finials? And if you’re in the area stay after dark to see how the bridge comes to life with modern color leds illuminating all the truss elements. Absolutely spectacular. Proof we can have nice things! And it’s not even a toll bridge!
A little history of this crossing. It was first managed by David Martin’s ferry starting in 1739. A wooden covered bridge was built in 1806 which stood until this bridge was constructed atop its piers and abutments in 1896."
cdk007
"Already, beautiful historical Northampton Street Bridge, which is locally known as Free Bridge, looks much better and brighter after the long renovation. It was fixed where needed to be, extremely well painted. I was a witness to it, I was on traffic jams due to the reno, and after it all was completed, the bridge looked like new.
I always questioned why no brooklyn bridge types of lights are not decorating the bridge. I was going to even suggest it to the mayor's office. To my surprise, very recently, lighting has been added to the bridge, and now it looks even better than New York bridges.
I hope the lights are not only for holidays and will stay on every evening year-round, and maybe it colors reflect different holidays like Empire State building lights.
Nice place to walk. Both sides of the bridge have sidewalks for pedestrians.
Safe. There is 24 hour bridge guard.
Only cars can drive on the bridge. There is 3 tonn limit.
Philipsburg-Easton Free Bridge
New Jersey-Pennsylvania
Must see it if in the area
Highly recommended"
Dinara G
"This is a beautiful bridge… A very old and rare type of bridge .. I suggest you take a nice stroll to Easton over the free bridge !"
Frank G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Northampton Street Bridge, also known as the Free Bridge, connects Easton, Pennsylvania, and Phillipsburg, New Jersey. You can access it by car from either city. Parking is available in both Easton and Phillipsburg, though it can be competitive during peak times. Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling across the bridge.
Yes, parking is available in both Easton, PA, and Phillipsburg, NJ, near the bridge entrances. Street parking and parking garages can be found in both cities.
Absolutely! The bridge features sidewalks on both sides, making it a pleasant route for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the views and cross between states.
The Northampton Street Bridge has a weight limit of 3 tons for vehicles.
The bridge has sidewalks which are generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures or specific accessibility concerns before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Northampton Street Bridge is famously known as the 'Free Bridge' and does not have any tolls for crossing. This is a significant draw for visitors.
The bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
No tickets are required to cross the Northampton Street Bridge as it is a free public thoroughfare.
The bridge itself is free to cross. However, be aware that some users have reported unexpected administrative fees if they encounter tolling systems that are not clearly marked or if they don't have the correct payment method for other nearby bridges. Stick to the clearly marked 'Free Bridge' to avoid this.
The bridge has undergone several rehabilitations, with the most recent significant renovation completed in 2023, which included the addition of LED lighting.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, visit during the 'golden hours' around sunrise or sunset. The bridge is also incredibly photogenic at night when its colorful LED lights are on, creating a magical atmosphere.
Its distinctive cantilevered thru truss design, the state seals on the towers, and the vibrant LED lighting system make it a unique subject for photographers.
Yes, you can get great shots from both the Easton and Phillipsburg sides, as well as from the pedestrian walkways on the bridge itself. Consider viewpoints along the Delaware River for wider scenic shots.
Certainly! The pedestrian walkways offer excellent opportunities to capture close-up details of the bridge's architecture and the surrounding river views.
The bridge is equipped with a modern, colorful LED lighting system that illuminates its truss elements, creating a spectacular visual display after dark.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The current bridge was constructed in 1896 by the Union Bridge Company, built atop the piers of an earlier 1806 wooden covered bridge. It has a rich history, including surviving major floods in the mid-1950s.
It's a rare example of a cantilevered thru truss bridge, often mistaken for a suspension bridge. This design allowed it to withstand significant historical floods.
The bridge was constructed by the Union Bridge Company of Athens, Pennsylvania.
The bridge has a history of rehabilitation, with major work done after the floods of the mid-1950s. It has been maintained and updated throughout its existence.
Notable decorative elements include the state seals of New Jersey and Pennsylvania adorning the two towers, and recently added colorful LED lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visiting in the evening is highly recommended, as the colorful LED lights are a guaranteed hit with children. It's a safe and engaging way to experience a piece of local history and engineering without any cost. Pack some snacks and make it a memorable outing!
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride across the bridge, taking in the views of the Delaware River and the charming towns of Easton and Phillipsburg. The nighttime illumination is a free spectacle that rivals paid attractions. It's a perfect way to experience local culture and history without spending a dime.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For truly breathtaking shots, plan your visit for after dark. The vibrant LED lighting system transforms the bridge into a colorful masterpiece, perfect for long-exposure shots or simply capturing its dazzling beauty. The 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset also offer beautiful light for daytime photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Bridge Through Time: History and Architecture
Beyond its structural integrity, the bridge is adorned with distinctive decorative elements. The two prominent towers feature the state seals of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, a proud display of the connection between the two states it bridges. More recently, the bridge has been enhanced with a spectacular modern LED lighting system. This illumination transforms the bridge into a vibrant spectacle after dark, highlighting its intricate truss work with a spectrum of colors, making it a truly unique sight.
For those interested in the evolution of infrastructure, the Northampton Street Bridge offers a fascinating case study. Its continuous upkeep demonstrates a commitment to preserving historical structures while adapting them for modern use. The bridge's history also traces back to earlier crossings, with records of David Martin's ferry operating in the area as early as 1739, showcasing the long-standing importance of this river crossing.
Experiencing the Free Bridge: From Strolls to Spectacles
The bridge truly comes alive after sunset. The recently installed colorful LED lighting system is a major draw, transforming the structure into a dazzling display. Visitors are encouraged to experience the bridge at night to witness this spectacular illumination, which many describe as even more impressive than lights on famous New York bridges. The lights are hoped to be a year-round feature, potentially changing colors for holidays, adding to its charm.
While primarily a pedestrian and light vehicle crossing (with a 3-ton limit), the bridge's safety is ensured by 24-hour bridge guards. This adds a layer of security for those enjoying the walkways. The combination of its historical architecture, free access, and vibrant nighttime display makes the Northampton Street Bridge a recommended stop for anyone in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit