Pilgrims wishing to park in Camden will have to purchase passes online prior to the event.
CAMDEN -- The City of Camden announced plans Wednesday that it hopes will facilitate the many pilgrims expected to journey to Philadelphia for Pope Francis' visit next weekend.
Parking spots at the Camden Waterfront that were originally set aside for a fleet of buses, will now be open to private vehicles through online preregistration. The approximately 8,500 parking spots will offer pilgrims a starting point from where they can reach Philadelphia through a number of different methods.
"This will be a joyous and historic occasion and will cast a spotlight on the region both nationally and internationally," Camden Mayor Dana Redd said at a press conference Wednesday. "It's our goal to make this pilgrimage as easy possible for everyone."
Parking passes can be purchased online prior to the days of Pope Francis' visit on Sept. 26 and 27. The passes will cost $43.78 per day, which includes all taxes and fees. Redd said there will be no overnight parking, and sleeping in cars, parking lots, parks or camping outdoors will be strictly prohibited.
Pilgrims will be able to take their pre-determined route into Philadelphia -- whether it's by walking over the Ben Franklin Bridge, taking the PATCO High Speed Line from Camden's Broadway Station or taking the RiverLink Ferry -- once they park their cars.
Tickets for the ferry must be purchased in advance, but tickets for the PATCO will be available at the stations, according to DRPA CEO John Hanson. PATCO riders will also be able to use their regular FREEDOM Cards for the trip.
For those walking the route over the bridge into Philadelphia, there will be a walking route through the city that will include hydration and rest stops where they can take breaks along the way.
Due to the massive number of people expect to be traveling on the days of the pope's visit, officials urged pilgrims to plan ahead.
There will be a number of roads closed in the city, including Admiral Wilson Boulevard West starting at Route 130; I-676 North at Exit 3 - Morgan Boulevard; Cooper Street; Broadway from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Penn Street; 7th Street from Elm to Market and Delaware Avenue.
Officials recommended that people take mass transit to Philadelphia if possible. In addition to departing from Broadway station, PATCO trains will be traveling express routes into the city from the Lindenwold, Woodcrest and Ferry Avenue stations.
Hanson said the trains will be able to transport approximately 10,000 people into the city per hour.
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"We expect to have traffic disruptions and delays," Redd said. "We asked all residents to be prepared in advance of the visit. We also ask you to be patient and expect delays."
Redd said while portions of downtown and the waterfront will be restricted, Camden residents will still have access to other parts of the city.
Redd urged people that must leave home on the days of the visit, however, to bring their identification with them. If a roadway is blocked when they are returning, having their I.D. will ensure they have no trouble getting home, she said.
Camden City Council President Frank Moran said because of expected traffic delays and increased security, it might be better for residents not attending the events to stay home.
"If you don't have to travel outside of your common area, you shouldn't," he said.
Captain Al Handy of the Camden County Police Department said the papal visit would be an "all hands on deck" situation for the department. Officers will be stationed in the restricted areas to direct traffic and ensure safe travels for those walking over the bridge.
Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli said all the agencies involved are working together to make sure the massive event goes off smoothly, and it is his hope that everyone who wants to see the pope gets a chance to.
"If you want to see the pope, a great place to start is here in Camden," he said. "This is a great event for the region, and we want as many people as possible to participate."
The city has launched a website, www.gatewaytothepope.com, which is where pilgrims can purchase passes for parking at the Camden Riverfront and find maps detailing the routes for travel on the days of the papal visit.
Alex Young may be reached at ayoung@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
