A major repair project will begin in early April at the St. Georges Bridge along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. The bridge will remain closed to all traffic for approximately 18 months.
The $45.8 million contract, awarded to J.D. Eckman, Inc., involves demolishing and replacing the bridge decking, median barrier, drainage features; replacing bridge approaches and roadways; and repairing other bridge structural features. Work is funded by the federal government through Energy and Water appropriations. Eckman is based in Chester County, PA.
The deck has been in poor condition for many years. Traffic remains heavy on the bridge as the population grows south of the canal.
During construction, traffic will be detoured to the neaerby Senator Roth Route 1 Bridge. St. Georges Bridge will close to all traffic starting on April 4, 2023. Additionally, the contractor will begin to close bicycle lanes in February 2023; however at least one bicycle lane will remain open until April 4, 2023.
The purpose of the repairs is to improve the structural condition and traveling surface of the bridge. The St. Georges Bridge is a tied arch structure that was constructed in 1941 and modified in 2010. The last major construction project on the bridge was lead paint abatement in 2000–2001.
At one point, there had been reports that the bridge would be closed for good after the completion of the Roth bridge or turned over to the state.
