The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) recently selected Modjeski and Masters as prime consultant for the Delaware Memorial Bridge Protection System project.
For this contract, Modjeski and Masters will design a vessel collision protection system for both the northbound and southbound Delaware Memorial Bridge structures.
The firm will be tasked with designing new pier protection cells and replacing the channel-side fender system for the tower piers. The existing fender system is original to each of the spans and has been deemed inadequate to protect the bridge from collisions with modern cargo ships.
The design will protect the Delaware Memorial Bridge from a vessel collision in the range of 156,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), traveling at a speed of approximately 7 knots.
One of the project goals is to satisfy a federal mandate to enhance protections for critical bridges around the country. The Delaware Memorial Bridges carries I-295, connecting travelers from New York City to Washington, D.C., and the New Jersey Turnpike. The anticipated cost of the project is $45 to $46 million.
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SOURCE: Modjeski and Masters
PHOTO: Delaware River and Bay Authority