The Delaware Memorial Bridge is up for a construction project this fall. The project will completely rebuild the driving surface of the bridge.
According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), the construction will remove the top two inches of the northbound (New Jersey-bound) side of the bridge deck and replace it with an "ultra high-performance concrete". The project is expected to start in September.
The project is split up into 3 phases. Phase 1 will have two lanes on the Delaware side shut down, with a third shut down overnight, leaving two lanes open for traffic. The first phase is expected to run from September 6 to November 22.
Phase 2 then is expected to begin February 1 and run until May 25, 2023. This phase of construction will see the left 2 lanes of the bridge closed, spanning the entire length of the bridge.
The third and final phase is expected to take place from September 5 to November 21, 2023. In the last phase we see two right lanes on the New Jersey side of the structure.
According to the DRBA, the dates were picked based on peak summer travel and consideration for the winter months.
The DRBA said motorists "should expect traffic congestion and delays heading into New Jersey."
Not only does is the project rebuilding the driving surface of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, but also will repair the bridge's reinforcing mat and replace relief joints and expansion joints. The estimated cost of the project is $71 million.
To mitigate any crashes or other incidents on the bridge during construction, DRBA will have on-call and standby towing services throughout all construction phases. DRBA police have also developed an "incident operational plan."
A virtual town hall to discuss the project will be held at 10 a.m. on August 16 via Zoom.
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Source: DelawareOnline.com
