Delaware’s Bancroft Bridge replacement is right on track with plans for construction to begin on Oct. 1.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) awarded A-Del Construction a contract for the replacement. They expect construction to finish by April 2025.
The Bancroft Bridge has been closed since September 2021. It sustained irreparable damage from Hurricane Ida’s floodwaters, and the replacement has been a top priority for DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation.
The project is being funded by a $2.7 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons with Delaware Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester helped secure the grant.
“The reopening of the Bancroft Bridge will benefit everyone who lives and visits the City of Wilmington. I’m grateful to FEMA for helping our community reconnect,” said Governor John Carney.
Construction will begin on the south side of Brandywine Creek. The end section of the current structure will be demolished before building the new bridge abutment. Then crews will work on the north side before the central section is replaced with a prefabricated structure.
DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin emphasized the bridge’s importance. “This bridge is a critical connector at the heart of Wilmington and its closure has a great impact on the day-to-day lives of many people who live, work and visit this city. We look forward to work beginning in October,” said Garvin.
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Source: MyChesCo, MildfordLive
