$600 million for Pennsylvania-New Jersey Bridge

Funding worth $600 million is being provided for the PA Turnpike-I-95 Interchange Program Delaware River Bridge project. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is receiving $600 million from the US Department of Transportation for the replacement of the existing 1956 Delaware River Bridge structure.

The bridge now has to cope with around 67,000 vehicles/day, with traffic volumes expected to grow to around 90,000 vehicles/day by 2050. Built around 70 years ago, the bridge is ageing rapidly and a crack in one of the approach trusses highlighted concerns over its structural condition.

The project is crucial to ensure that the I-95 river crossing linking Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and Burlington County, New Jersey offers sufficient capacity. The work will also boost resiliency by reducing the area obstructing river flow during high water events.

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Bridge Investment Program (BIP) aims to improve the condition of bridges in the United States by rebuilding bridges in poor condition and to upgrade design standards for outdated bridges.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is now commencing work for the $268 million I-95 Revive project to rebuild I-95 highway in northeast Philadelphia. The work for section BS2 presents challenges. This stretch links the Betsy Ross Bridge interchange with Bridge Street in northeast Philadelphia. The work will see all of the bridges being replaced along this section. Traffic flow will be improved as will safety for drivers.