The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) commissioners adopted the agency’s 2022 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) along with an Authority-wide Five-Year Strategic Plan for the agency’s airports and crossing facilities.
The 2022 CIP of $151.2 million is comprised of $126.9 million in authority resources and $24.3 million in federal, state, and local grant funds.
According to DRBA Chairman James N. Hogan, the capital investments are essential to properly maintain and improve the agency’s crossing facilities. “Millions of people rely on our network of transportation facilities to move products, visit family, or commute to work on a daily basis,” Hogan said. “As public stewards of some important regional transportation assets, the Authority will continue to make necessary and prudent investments at our bridge, ferry, and airport facilities that will benefit our customers.”
“The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a vital link in the I-95 north-south corridor and the Cape May – Lewes Ferry is integral to the local tourism economy of the Cape May and Sussex Counties,” said Vice Chairman Samuel E. Lathem. “A reliable infrastructure network is vital for a strong, robust economy. This CIP is an investment in our region’s future.”
The DRBA Five Year Strategic Plan, which contains nearly one hundred infrastructure projects at the Delaware Memorial Bridge (DMB), Cape May – Lewes Ferry (CMLF), and the agency’s five regional airport, serves as a planning tool for directing resources to address the increasing demands associated with aging infrastructure. This plan is expected to cost approximately $610.5 million in Authority and grant funds and includes the following major projects:
- Deck UHPC Overlay Program: The deck of the New Jersey bound span, I-295N, has reached the end of its serviceable life. As a result of evaluation a deck repair project has been recommended. The project includes removal of the top 2” of the existing deck slabs and replacement with Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) overlay. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $18.8 million in 2022 and $50.5 million in the out years.
- Bridge Deck Repairs: Both structures exhibit minor deck cracking and delamination as well as potholes due to age and heavy truck volumes. The project includes large lane-width concrete repairs to the bridge deck to maintain an appropriate level of service. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $650,000 in 2022 and $2.9 million in the out years.
- Ship Collision Protection: The existing tower fender system on the twin spans provides insufficient protection for current vessel traffic. This project provides a protection system meeting current standards and consists of eight 80-foot diameter dolphin structures, two at the approach of each tower pier. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $29.7 million in 2022 and $42.5 million in the out years. The project is partially funded by approximately $21.6 million by the US Department of Transportation.
- Bridge Steelwork Repairs: Due to age, environmental factors, and traffic volumes, steelwork repairs are necessary on both spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. This project programs miscellaneous steelwork repairs found to be necessary as a result of annual inspections. These repairs are necessary to preserve the bridge’s steelwork while maintaining safety and operational service levels. Work typically includes replacement of worn bearing assemblies, access platforms, maintenance of steel connections, installing new safety features, and other items. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $7.1 million in 2022 and $42 million in the out years.
- Annual Bridge Painting Program – DMB: As outlined in the annual bridge paint evaluation report, the coatings on certain segments of both structures are no longer performing as required. To ensure the structural steel is adequately protected, the coatings on these portions of the bridge are scheduled for complete removal to bare metal and replaced with a 3-layer protective overcoat system. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $8.7 million in 2022 and $27 million in the out years.
- Cape May Approach Roads Rehabilitation (fery): Pavement at the terminal approach roads is deteriorating and improvements are necessary to maintain expected levels of service at the Cape May Terminal. The project proposes the design and construction for roadway reconfigurations at the terminal entrance, improvements to the approach roads, and the replacement of Cape May highway signage. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $3.3 million in 2022 and $1.5 million in the out years. The project is partially funded bu approximately $2.44 million by NJDOT.
- CMLF Utility Corridor – Cape May and Lewes Terminals: This project addresses the aging utility infrastructure at both ferry terminals. It proposes the design and installation of new centralized utility corridors to allow for easier access and maintenance. The Cape May Terminal project, which is partially funded the amount of approximately $1.5 million by NJDOT, has an estimated DRBA cost of $2.3 million in 2022 and $3.8 million in the out years. The Lewes Terminal portion has an estimated DRBA cost of $1.5 million in 2022 and $3.5 million in the out years
- Annual Vessel Maintenance & Dry Docking – CMLF: The project programs annual capital expenditures for the three vessels, particularly in areas that preserve these assets and improve passenger safety and operational reliability. Planned projects include but are not limited to vessel shipyard dry-dockings, purchase of life-saving equipment, seating replacements, systems efficiency upgrades, generator overhauls, and miscellaneous improvements. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $5.7 million in 2022 and $36.3 million in the out years.
- Motor Vessel Replacement Program – CMLF: A marine master plan was completed in 2008 which recommended construction of new vessels primarily due to the age of the existing fleet. A new vessel is estimated to cost in the $40 million range. The plan supports an update of the old master plan, and then the design and replacement of the first of the three existing vessels. Federal funding is anticipated for this project, but not committed at this time. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $1.5 million in 2022 and $59 million in the out years.
The entire planning document can be viewed on the Authority’s website, www.drb
