Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that phase two of a major construction project to rehabilitate the bridge deck (driving surface) of the New Jersey bound span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge (DMB) is now underway. Two left lanes of the northbound span will be continuously closed until just before the Memorial Day weekend holiday period. The 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. Work is expected to be complete prior to May 25, 2023. Construction activity associated with this project will be suspended during the peak summer travel season.
Two lanes on the New Jersey bound structure will be closed to traffic throughout the time frame—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.
To accommodate anticipated traffic volumes, a bypass lane has been established to divert some traffic around the construction zone. This bypass lane, which channels traffic to the exterior lane of the Delaware bound span, 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 (3) lanes of the Delaware bound span will be open for southbound traffic.
The safety of the traveling public and on-site highway contractors is the agency’s highest priority. Commuters and travelers are urged to be careful and to stay alert in and around construction zones and obey all posted speed limit signs. For the latest in traffic information and project updates, follow the Bridge on Twitter @demembridge or sign up for text alerts at bridgealerts.com.
