The $220 million upgrade project for the Commodore Barry Bridge linking New Jersey and Pennsylvania is now underway. The work includes general maintenance, upgrade works to the bridge deck, a series of safety improvements and painting of the whole structure.
The 5km moveable concrete barrier that was first installed in 2002 will be replaced with a more modern steel design as well as a new machine. This will still allow lanes to be changed to allow safe traffic flow, depending on requirements. Much of the work will be carried out at night to minimise traffic disruption during the day when the bridge is at its busiest. Work is due for completion in 2028.
The project is being managed by the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and is being carried out by Skanska Koch. The work is starting at the New Jersey end of the bridge.
According to DRPA, the primary goal is to blast clean and repaint the bridge’s cantilever truss, steel barriers, and overhead gantries, which have not undergone maintenance painting since 1996. The DRPA says that crews will repair and strengthen critical components, including truss members, stringers, bearings, vibration absorbers, wind pins, and install temporary jacking systems to support the bridge during repairs. Also included will be concrete deck repairs and spall repairs to piers and pier caps, as well as upgrades to safety features and infrastructure.
