BRIDGE TO OPEN LATE MARCH 9
The Delaware River Bridge connecting the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpike will open late on Thursday, March 9.
The 1.25-mile-long bridge, which carries traffic between the two states, will be fully open for Friday morning commuter traffic on March 10.
The bridge had been closed Jan. 20 when a complete fracture was discovered in the superstructure beneath the westbound lanes on the Pennsylvania side in Bristol Township, Bucks County.
The fracture has been fully repaired and a comprehensive review of impacted spans completed.
PA Turnpike – I-276, Exit 351 to NJ Turnpike – I-95, Exit 7A
mi.
average time:
hr
m
EASTBOUND
NJ Turnpike – I-95, Exit 7A to PA Turnpike – I-276, Exit 351
mi.
average time:
hr
m
WESTBOUND
Latest News (March 10, 2017)
The Delaware River Bridge is now open eastbound and westbound to all traffic.
Yesterday, members of the project's emergency engineering task force conducted load tests to examine the readiness of the newly repaired bridge. Heavy duty trucks loaded down with materials and weighing as much as 40 tons were used for the weight testing. Sensors remain on the bridge and will be used to analyze how the bridge is handling various loads. An early-April opening is still expected, could be updated following the results of the weight testing to be received later this week.
Crews began using post-tensioning devices this week to bring the damaged truss back into alignment. Once that is completed, the permanent splice will be installed. Over the next few weeks crews will perform any other minor repairs needed on the truss, and load testing and evaluations will be performed to see how the repaired bridge responds.
Work performed over the weekend went very well. The fracture section has been removed and the installation of the replacement section was completed on 2/28. Post-tensioning devices are being installed this week.
Press Release Issued Delaware River Turnpike Bridge to Stay Closed At Least Eight More Weeks.
Click for full details.
On site crews continue to work around the clock at the Bridge work site erecting 80’ support towers that will eventually be used to support the jacking of the bridge into its original alignment. This work includes not only building the towers but digging and laying brand new foundations for each due to the ground conditions so close to the river. Relocation of some utilities was required and we are thankful for the support we received from all the local utility companies in doing this quickly and safely. The PA Turnpike Commission has been in contact with neighbors of the bridge who are impacted by the round the clock work to ensure they remain up to date on progress.
Section of the first of 8 80' temporary support towers nears completion at the Delaware River Bridge work site. These towers will be going up and will eventually allow engineers to realign the bridge and determine the long term solution.
Crews are currently working below grade in eight locations to lay foundations for the temporary support towers which will further stabilize the compromised areas of the bridge. Cut-outs of the bridge have been sent to testing sites for analysis.
Engineers from various agencies continue to work on the bridge assessment, closure remains in effect.
Repair Timeframe
Currently we know the bridge will remain closed at the very least until early April as crews work to realign the bridge and complete load testing. While we regret the inconvenience, it is crucial that the bridge remain closed to protect traveler and worker safety as a full-scale structure analysis is completed and repair plans are developed. Until more is understood about the damage, it is not possible to estimate how many days or weeks the bridge will need to remain closed while the long-term fix is made.
DETOURS
Eastbound Detour
PA Turnpike motorists heading east into New Jersey should use this revised alternate route: Exit at the Bensalem Interchange, #351 in Bucks County. Follow U.S. Route 1 north, to I-95 north, to I-295, south, to I-195 east. Take Exit 6 on I-195, and reenter the NJ Turnpike. Expect slow-moving or stopped traffic in the area, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Westbound Detour
Motorists heading to Pennsylvania will be detoured at New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 7A to I-195 westbound to I-295 northbound, which becomes I-95 southbound; or from New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 5 to Mount Holly Road. Motorists traveling from northern New Jersey are advised to exit at Interchange 14 and use I-78 west into Pennsylvania. Expect slow-moving or stopped traffic in the area, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Impact on Local Roads
Local roadways under the bridge including Radcliff Street, Palmer Avenue and Wood Avenue are also closed until further notice. Motorists traveling east from Route 130 will be able to use Interchange 6 to access the New Jersey Turnpike via the Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension. The westbound Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension will remain closed to all traffic; there will be no access to Interchange 6 from that direction.
This Hotspot Map indicates potential trouble areas for regional travelers as they navigate roadways with heavy traffic volumes from the Delaware River Turnpike Bridge detours.
