Lincoln Drive Explained

Lincoln Drive
Image Alt:A four-lane expressway with a low concrete median snakes through a wooded area and under a large stone arch bridge.
Length Mi:4.1
Length Round:3
Maint:PennDOT and Philadelphia Streets Departmenthttps://www.philadelphiastreets.com/transportation/lincoln-drive-project
Commissioning Date:1856
Direction A:South
Terminus A: / Kelly Drive in Philadelphia
Direction B:North
Terminus B:Allens Lane in Philadelphia
Location:Philadelphia

Lincoln Drive is an expressway in the Wissahickon Creek section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Initially built in 1856 as the Wissahickon Turnpike, it was not completed until about 50 years later. The road is called the “Dead Man’s Gulch” due to its twisting and turning.[1] Initially, the purpose of the road was to provide access from the mills to the city of Philadelphia.[2]

Some historic locations that the road passes include Historic RittenhouseTown, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill.

From the 1930s until 1960, Lincoln Drive was designated as the southernmost part of U.S. Route 309.[3] [4]

References

40.0376°N -75.1912°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lincoln Drive is called ‘Dead Man’s Gulch’ for a reason. 2016-08-26. Chestnut Hill Local.
  2. Web site: Lincoln Drive. Flamm. Bradley. The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia.
  3. Pennsylvania Department of Highways. Official Road Map of Pennsylvania (back). 1940. December 15, 2020.
  4. Pennsylvania Department of Highways. Official Map of Pennsylvania (back). 1960. December 15, 2020.