The Ben Franklin Bridge will re-open to vehicular traffic at 4 a.m. Monday morning - several hours ahead of schedule, Delaware River Port Authority officials announced Sunday.

The accelerated reopening will allow for normal operation during the Monday morning rush hour, according to a press release from the Camden County Board of Freeholders.

“Our expectation has always been that we would return to normal operation as quickly as possible, following the opening of key roads and highways that connect to the Ben Franklin Bridge,” said John T. Hanson, DRPA CEO. “It has truly been an honor to participate in this historic and joyous event and I am especially pleased that we will be able to accelerate our original timetable and return to serving as an important connection between Philadelphia and South Jersey.”

Initially, the plan was to keep the bridge - which connects Philadelphia to Camden - closed to vehicular traffic until noon on Monday.

Since many people are still walking back across the bridge from Philly to access their cars in Camden and other areas of New Jersey, officials said pedestrians will still be able to access the Ben Franklin during the overnight hours Sunday and throughout the day Monday.

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