Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 7, Authorities in the United States are evaluating two proposals for a new bridge over the Delaware River to connect New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The project, jointly led by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, aims to address rising traffic volumes and the deteriorating condition of the existing bridge.

Proposals are being considered for the new bridge spanning the Delaware River and linking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Built nearly 70 years ago, the current bridge has only two lanes in each direction and faces severe congestion during peak hours. A crack discovered in one of its approach trusses further raised concerns about its structural integrity. Before the I-95 interchange opened in 2018, the bridge carried around 42,000 vehicles per day. That number has since increased to about 67,000, and projections indicate traffic could reach 90,000 vehicles per day by 2050. Given these conditions, authorities have concluded that a full replacement is necessary.

Of nine potential options reviewed, two designs are now under detailed consideration. The first proposal involves building a new bridge approximately 23 meters north of the existing structure. Construction is expected to take four years, and the new span would have three lanes in each direction, separated by about 4.6 meters. Once the new bridge becomes operational, all traffic would be redirected, allowing for the old structure to be demolished and removed.

The second option places the new bridge about 12 meters north of the current one and would be completed in two phases over eight years. In the first phase, half of the bridge would be constructed to carry four temporary, narrow lanes of traffic. After shifting traffic to this section, the old bridge would be demolished, and the second half of the new span would be built. The final configuration would also include three lanes in each direction, providing improved capacity and safety.

Discussions about replacing the Delaware River bridge began three decades ago, with initial design concepts introduced in 2003. At that time, plans focused on upgrading the existing structure rather than replacing it. However, the discovery of structural deterioration has since made renovation unfeasible. As a result, the project’s environmental impact studies and earlier design work will be re-evaluated to align with current regulatory and technical standards.

The new bridge is intended to reduce traffic delays, enhance regional connectivity, and improve transport reliability between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Once a final design option is selected, the project will advance into detailed engineering, permitting, and construction planning. The initiative marks an important step toward modernizing a critical link in the region’s highway network.