Eastbound bypass lane on Delaware span aims to aid turnpike travelers
Phase two of a major construction project to rehabilitate the bridge deck of the New Jersey-bound span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge is now underway.
Two left lanes of the northbound span are closed until shortly before the Memorial Day holiday travel period. A bypass lane for northbound traffic on the Delaware-bound span is now open.
“While the project has been designed to minimize traffic delays to the extent possible, motorists may encounter them, particularly during rush hour time periods and peak weekend travel times,” said David Hoppenjans, chief engineer for the DRBA. “We’re focused on completing this necessary bridge work safely and efficiently. I want to thank our customers in advance for their patience and understanding as we continue to rebuild the bridge deck.”
Phase II will target the entire length of the left lanes of the New Jersey bound span. The winter-spring project will be completed before May 25 Construction will be suspended during the peak summer travel season.
Two lanes on the New Jersey-bound structure will be closed to traffic throughout that time – with an additional third lane shut down during the overnight hours for concrete pouring operations. The remaining lanes on the New Jersey-bound structure will be open to traffic.
A bypass lane has been established to divert some traffic around the construction zone. The bypass lane is recommended for passenger cars bound for the New Jersey Turnpike only. Commercial vehicles are not permitted to use the bypass lane. The remaining three lanes of the Delaware-bound span will be open for southbound traffic.
For traffic information and project updates, follow the bridge on Twitter @demembridge or sign up for text alerts at www.bridgealerts.com.
The bridge is operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a two-state entity that also manages airports and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
