en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) announced on August 10, 2026, that the expansion joint replacement project on the Delaware Memorial Bridge (DMB) northbound span toward New Jersey will begin on September 7, 2026, with contractor UHPC Solutions North America LLC, and is expected to be completed on November 24 of the same year, ahead of the holiday travel season. During construction, two right lanes on the northbound structure will be closed for the large-scale bridge expansion joint replacement work.
The project will completely remove and replace 46 bridge expansion joints, including 24 expansion joints and 22 relief joints, with each joint's adjacent area rebuilt using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC).
DRBA Chief Engineer David Hoppenjans stated that bridge expansion joints are critical structural components that accommodate the natural movement of the bridge caused by temperature changes and continuous heavy traffic loads. Replacing the original expansion joint system, combined with recently conducted deck maintenance work, will help ensure the bridge's structural integrity, safety, and performance for decades to come.
To maintain regional traffic flow during construction, a new traffic diversion plan will be implemented from September 7 to November 24, 2026. Two lanes on the northbound deck will be closed around the clock, while the two left lanes will remain open to all types of vehicles.
A contraflow lane separated by barrier barriers will be established on the outer lane of the southbound deck, restricted to passenger vehicles heading to the New Jersey Turnpike (NJ Turnpike) or US Route 40. Tractor-trailers, trucks, and other commercial vehicles are prohibited from using it. Southbound traffic toward Delaware (I-95 and I-495 directions) will maintain three right lanes open, with the left lane closed for use as the contraflow lane.
Passenger vehicles using the southbound contraflow lane can directly access the New Jersey Turnpike and US Route 40, helping to alleviate congestion on the bridge toward New Jersey. Passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles heading to US-130, Route 49, and local New Jersey exits must remain on the two open left lanes of the northbound main bridge deck, as the contraflow lane does not provide access to those exits. All trucks, buses, and oversized vehicles must also use the two left lanes on the northbound deck.
The Authority stated that the diversion plan aims to maximize traffic capacity and minimize disruption, but delays may still occur on the northbound approach to New Jersey during morning and evening peak hours and busy weekend periods. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, obey speed limit signs, and allow extra travel time.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority is a bi-state government agency established under a 1962 agreement, owning and operating the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing, and managing five airports across New Jersey and Delaware through its economic development authority. The Authority's operating revenues are derived entirely from its bridge, ferry, and airport facilities.
