AARoads Forum

Starting a thread for bridges across the Delaware River.  Like the Hudson River thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11133.0).

Tolls Set to Double (for Some) on Tacony-Palmyra, Burlington-Bristol Bridges (http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Delaware-River-Bridge-Tolls-320609562.html)

To 4 dollars.

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/20150804_Toll_hikes_on_Burlco_bridges_.html

They are going to actually use it all to fund road improvements, redeck both bridges.

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 04, 2015, 10:55:07 AM
They are going to actually use it all to fund road improvements, redeck both bridges.

...and buy Bridge Expanders (as seen on TV) for the Bristol - just turn the crank and widen the road deck.  I like driving across that bridge but I'm surprised there aren't more head-on collisions.

I think it is fair to expect an increase like this. 15 years is a long time to go without an increase. Inflation has probably hurt their ability to get work done as the cost of labor has gone up.

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 09:49:05 AM
I think it is fair to expect an increase like this. 15 years is a long time to go without an increase. Inflation has probably hurt their ability to get work done as the cost of labor has gone up.

Except, those are the cheapest crossings between Wilmington and New York City. Of course there is going to be traffic - how are they not profitable? The lowest crossings excluding the 3 is:
1. I-78 Toll Bridge - WB Only (Easton PA-Phillipsburg NJ) ($1)
2. I-95 JFK Highway Bridge (Hatem Bridge too) ($8)
3. all tie for NYC - G. W. Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, etc. ($14)

Tolls is cheap, so basically a ton of traffic will use the bridge, but yet DRPA is not profitable...
and plus, the Turnpike bridge is cancer.

CROSSINGS I'M TALKING ABOUT
Burlington-Bristol Toll Bridge
Tacony-Palmyra Toll Bridge

DRJTBC has a few free bridges (over the Delaware no less) in their portfolio including the Bridge St Bridge in Trenton, Scudder Falls Bridge and the US 22 bridge in Easton and they also do just fine moneywise.

Quote from: noelbotevera on August 05, 2015, 10:01:14 AM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 09:49:05 AM
I think it is fair to expect an increase like this. 15 years is a long time to go without an increase. Inflation has probably hurt their ability to get work done as the cost of labor has gone up.

Except, those are the cheapest crossings between Wilmington and New York City. Of course there is going to be traffic - how are they not profitable? The lowest crossings excluding the 3 is:
1. I-78 Toll Bridge - WB Only (Easton PA-Phillipsburg NJ) ($1)
2. I-95 JFK Highway Bridge (Hatem Bridge too) ($8)
3. all tie for NYC - G. W. Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, etc. ($14)

Tolls is cheap, so basically a ton of traffic will use the bridge, but yet DRPA is not profitable...
and plus, the Turnpike bridge is cancer.

"A ton of traffic will use" what bridge? You're not being specific about what bridge you are speaking of.  :poke:

Despite the gloom and doom that Noel claims (due to his inexperience no doubt), I would expect that as long as the Tacony-Palmyra toll remains lower than the Betsy Ross toll, traffic will continue to use the Tacony-Palmyra with minimal change in traffic volumes.  The Burlington-Bristol is largely local traffic and doesn't have any easy alternatives either (detouring to the Turnpike crossing adds 14 miles).  As long as the commission is up-front with what they plan to do (as they apparently are), and if the bridges are in poor enough condition that drivers notice, I'd expect some sort of toll increase would be accepted.

I wouldn't be surprised if the $4 cash toll proposal becomes $3 in the final version.

If it's enacted as a $4 toll, daily commuters paying cash - especially those that use the Tacony - are going to be faced with a choice of using that bridge, which has congestion and frequent drawbridge openings, or just using the Betsy Ross, which is almost always free-flowing.  Commuters save a significant $3 today.  A $1 difference isn't as significant.

For EZ Pass customers, it'll still be a $2 difference: $3 on the Tacony vs. $5 on the Betsy Ross.  But with the return of the EZ Pass toll credit, frequent EZ Pass customers will be getting an $18 credit for using EZ Pass 18 times or more (or something close to that).  The actual cost would be around $4 for the Betsy Ross.  Again - just a dollar difference.

So, the Burlington County Bridge Commission is going to have to tread lightly here.  Increase the tolls too much - even if they're lower than the DRPA's tolls - and they're still in the position to lose customers, and that will potentially decrease the expected revenue.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 05, 2015, 11:52:24 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if the $4 cash toll proposal becomes $3 in the final version.

If it's enacted as a $4 toll, daily commuters paying cash - especially those that use the Tacony - are going to be faced with a choice of using that bridge, which has congestion and frequent drawbridge openings, or just using the Betsy Ross, which is almost always free-flowing.  Commuters save a significant $3 today.  A $1 difference isn't as significant.

For EZ Pass customers, it'll still be a $2 difference: $3 on the Tacony vs. $5 on the Betsy Ross.  But with the return of the EZ Pass toll credit, frequent EZ Pass customers will be getting an $18 credit for using EZ Pass 18 times or more (or something close to that).  The actual cost would be around $4 for the Betsy Ross.  Again - just a dollar difference.

So, the Burlington County Bridge Commission is going to have to tread lightly here.  Increase the tolls too much - even if they're lower than the DRPA's tolls - and they're still in the position to lose customers, and that will potentially decrease the expected revenue.

True - although a working toll could be $2.50 each direction, or a $3.50 WB toll.

They're not going to collect tolls in both directions.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 05, 2015, 11:52:24 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if the $4 cash toll proposal becomes $3 in the final version.

If it's enacted as a $4 toll, daily commuters paying cash - especially those that use the Tacony - are going to be faced with a choice of using that bridge, which has congestion and frequent drawbridge openings, or just using the Betsy Ross, which is almost always free-flowing.  Commuters save a significant $3 today.  A $1 difference isn't as significant.

For EZ Pass customers, it'll still be a $2 difference: $3 on the Tacony vs. $5 on the Betsy Ross.  But with the return of the EZ Pass toll credit, frequent EZ Pass customers will be getting an $18 credit for using EZ Pass 18 times or more (or something close to that).  The actual cost would be around $4 for the Betsy Ross.  Again - just a dollar difference.

So, the Burlington County Bridge Commission is going to have to tread lightly here.  Increase the tolls too much - even if they're lower than the DRPA's tolls - and they're still in the position to lose customers, and that will potentially decrease the expected revenue.

Totally agree. A $.50-1.00 toll increase would be more palatable than the $2 they're proposing. In fact here's also people that avoid crossing the Ben to save that $3 by crossing the Tacony. Raising the toll to $4 would kill any justification in doing that. 

It has been announced that the Benjamin Franklin Bridge will be closed over the last weekend in September"

Quote from: 02 Park Ave on August 05, 2015, 03:31:34 PM
It has been announced that the Benjamin Franklin Bridge will be closed over the last weekend in September"

For the Pope's Visit in Philly that weekend.

That rumor has been going around for awhile.  What's a little surprising is that the bridge is supposed to remain closed until Monday, Sept 28 at noontime.  That'll create havoc on Monday morning's rush hour.  Not sure why the closing is needed into Monday.

Several miles of the Schuylkill Expressway & the entire Vine Street Expressway in Philly will be closed that weekend as well.  95 will remain open, but with some interchange closures.

Let's put a breakdown of who owns what bridge, to prevent confusion

DRBA Delaware River & Bay Authority: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Delaware Memorial Bridge

DRPA Delaware River Port Authority: Commodore Barry, Walt Whitman, Ben Frankin, Betsy Ross.

Burlington County Bridge Commission: Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, Burlington-Bristol Bridge, and also a Rancocas Creek swing bridge, the Riverside-Delanco Bridge.

NJ/PA Turnpike: The Turnpike Bridge.

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission: All bridges from Trenton to the Dingman's Ferry bridge, and the rest of the bridges after that til I-84.

Dingman's Ferry Bridge: Privately owned bridge.

http://6abc.com/religion/major-highways-ben-franklin-bridge-to-close-for-pope-visit/904413/

Quote from: noelbotevera on August 05, 2015, 10:01:14 AM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 09:49:05 AM
I think it is fair to expect an increase like this. 15 years is a long time to go without an increase. Inflation has probably hurt their ability to get work done as the cost of labor has gone up.

Except, those are the cheapest crossings between Wilmington and New York City. Of course there is going to be traffic - how are they not profitable? The lowest crossings excluding the 3 is:
1. I-78 Toll Bridge - WB Only (Easton PA-Phillipsburg NJ) ($1)
2. I-95 JFK Highway Bridge (Hatem Bridge too) ($8)
3. all tie for NYC - G. W. Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, etc. ($14)

Tolls is cheap, so basically a ton of traffic will use the bridge, but yet DRPA is not profitable...
and plus, the Turnpike bridge is cancer.

CROSSINGS I'M TALKING ABOUT
Burlington-Bristol Toll Bridge
Tacony-Palmyra Toll Bridge

You lost me. 

The Hatem and Tydings bridges are between Wilmington and New York?

If you're being that generous you could at least have included the Tappan Zee ($5), the Route 80 bridge in Stroudsburg ($1), and the Bear Mountain Bridge ($1.50).

Port Authority bridges and tunnels are $14 cash round trip.  TBTA bridges (such as the Verrazano) are mostly $16 cash round trip.

And the economics here are not as simple as cheaper=busier=more profitable.  There's an upper limit on desirability (a free bridge is not necessarily the best route for all) and on capacity (lowering throughput, and thus desirability), and more use means more required maintenance costs.

Also, are public bridge authorities even supposed to be profitable?  They should be break-even operations over the long term, IMO.

Quote from: Pete from Boston on August 05, 2015, 08:17:18 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on August 05, 2015, 10:01:14 AM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 09:49:05 AM
I think it is fair to expect an increase like this. 15 years is a long time to go without an increase. Inflation has probably hurt their ability to get work done as the cost of labor has gone up.

Except, those are the cheapest crossings between Wilmington and New York City. Of course there is going to be traffic - how are they not profitable? The lowest crossings excluding the 3 is:
1. I-78 Toll Bridge - WB Only (Easton PA-Phillipsburg NJ) ($1)
2. I-95 JFK Highway Bridge (Hatem Bridge too) ($8)
3. all tie for NYC - G. W. Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, etc. ($14)

Tolls is cheap, so basically a ton of traffic will use the bridge, but yet DRPA is not profitable...
and plus, the Turnpike bridge is cancer.

CROSSINGS I'M TALKING ABOUT
Burlington-Bristol Toll Bridge
Tacony-Palmyra Toll Bridge

You lost me. 

The Hatem and Tydings bridges are between Wilmington and New York?

If you're being that generous you could at least have included the Tappan Zee ($5), the Route 80 bridge in Stroudsburg ($1), and the Bear Mountain Bridge ($1.50).

Port Authority bridges and tunnels are $14 cash round trip.  TBTA bridges (such as the Verrazano) are mostly $16 cash round trip.

And the economics here are not as simple as cheaper=busier=more profitable.  There's an upper limit on desirability (a free bridge is not necessarily the best route for all) and on capacity (lowering throughput, and thus desirability), and more use means more required maintenance costs.

Also, are public bridge authorities even supposed to be profitable?  They should be break-even operations over the long term, IMO.

i removed my post because of sheer stupidity.  :banghead: why did i make that post.

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 06:39:46 PM
Let's put a breakdown of who owns what bridge, to prevent confusion

...

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission: All bridges from Trenton to the Dingman's Ferry bridge, and the rest of the bridges after that til I-84.

...

Do you mean up to, but not including, I-84, or up to AND including I-84?  :confused:

Quote from: TravelingBethelite on August 05, 2015, 10:26:00 PM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 06:39:46 PM
Let's put a breakdown of who owns what bridge, to prevent confusion

...

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission: All bridges from Trenton to the Dingman's Ferry bridge, and the rest of the bridges after that til I-84.

...

Do you mean up to, but not including, I-84, or up to AND including I-84?  :confused:

Up to but not including the i-84 bridge between PA and NY.

Quote from: Alps on August 05, 2015, 08:12:26 PM
http://6abc.com/religion/major-highways-ben-franklin-bridge-to-close-for-pope-visit/904413/

Also...

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pope/20150806_Ben_Franklin_Bridge_to_be_closed_for_the_weekend_of_Pope_Francis__visit_in_September.html#disqus_threadVis

(sorry about the slide bar)

ixnay

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 06:39:46 PM
Burlington County Bridge Commission: Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, Burlington-Bristol Bridge, and also a Rancocas Creek swing bridge, the Riverside-Delanco Bridge.

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Rancocas+Creek,+New+Jersey,+USA/@40.0441038,-74.9588253,783m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c14ba77eb54be3:0x58345d4467c1f876

And in fact, 5 more bridges than those (if a twin pipe culvert counts)...

http://www.bcbridges.org/AboutUs/AboutOurBridges.aspx

ixnay

Quote from: Pete from Boston on August 05, 2015, 08:17:18 PM
Port Authority bridges and tunnels are $14 cash round trip.  TBTA bridges (such as the Verrazano) are mostly $16 cash round trip.

Meh, those are the tourist toll rates. For regular customers (i.e. people with a local EZpass), PANYNJ is $11.75 on peak/$9.75 off peak, and TBTA is $11.08. The tolls from both, of course, more than 100% cover the cost of the crossings themselves and the extra cash goes to subsidize other operations of the same agency.

As for the Delaware river, all DRJTBC bridges that were built prior to the commission's founding in 1935 are free. All bridges built by the commission after 1935 are tolled, with the exception of the current Scudders' Falls Bridge because the feds helped pay for it. Since the feds aren't paying for the proposed replacement, it will be tolled.

An interesting parallel to New York City where basically the same thing is the case - bridges built prior to the 1930s are free. Bridges built from the 1930s onward are tolled.

Quote from: ixnay on August 06, 2015, 09:30:04 PM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 05, 2015, 06:39:46 PM
Burlington County Bridge Commission: Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, Burlington-Bristol Bridge, and also a Rancocas Creek swing bridge, the Riverside-Delanco Bridge.

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Rancocas+Creek,+New+Jersey,+USA/@40.0441038,-74.9588253,783m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c14ba77eb54be3:0x58345d4467c1f876

And in fact, 5 more bridges than those (if a twin pipe culvert counts)...

http://www.bcbridges.org/AboutUs/AboutOurBridges.aspx

ixnay

Yup, it is kind of fair to let them go up to 4 dollars one way.

http://6abc.com/traffic/toll-hikes-approved-for-2-burlco-bridges/924136/

Toll hike approved.

Sept 15th 2015 4 dollars.

http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/08/delaware_memorial_bridge_traffic_delays_to_continu.html

Painting causing delays over the delaware memorial bridge.

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 15, 2015, 07:41:14 PM
http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/08/delaware_memorial_bridge_traffic_delays_to_continu.html

Painting causing delays over the delaware memorial bridge.

Big time delays. 1 lane out of 4 closed is resulting in 5+ mile delays on both sides of the river.

Sitting in it today myself, it appears some of the issue is trucks trying to make it up the bridge. The bridge is steep and the trucks sometimes to have a problem with it.  Maybe they should try restricting trucks to only the right-most open lane until the mid-span point.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 15, 2015, 09:23:43 PM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 15, 2015, 07:41:14 PM
http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/08/delaware_memorial_bridge_traffic_delays_to_continu.html

Painting causing delays over the delaware memorial bridge.

Big time delays. 1 lane out of 4 closed is resulting in 5+ mile delays on both sides of the river.

Sitting in it today myself, it appears some of the issue is trucks trying to make it up the bridge. The bridge is steep and the trucks sometimes to have a problem with it.  Maybe they should try restricting trucks to only the right-most open lane until the mid-span point.

That is the normal way trucks handle it. And yeah it is steeper than it looks if you are in a truck. I know mine drops gears going over it.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 15, 2015, 09:23:43 PM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 15, 2015, 07:41:14 PM
http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/08/delaware_memorial_bridge_traffic_delays_to_continu.html

Painting causing delays over the delaware memorial bridge.

Big time delays. 1 lane out of 4 closed is resulting in 5+ mile delays on both sides of the river.

Flying into Philly last week offered a complete vantage point of the backups, the New Jersey side was stopped dead clear past the toll plaza.

Quote from: Alex4897 on August 16, 2015, 08:40:42 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 15, 2015, 09:23:43 PM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on August 15, 2015, 07:41:14 PM
http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/08/delaware_memorial_bridge_traffic_delays_to_continu.html

Painting causing delays over the delaware memorial bridge.

Big time delays. 1 lane out of 4 closed is resulting in 5+ mile delays on both sides of the river.

Flying into Philly last week offered a complete vantage point of the backups, the New Jersey side was stopped dead clear past the toll plaza.

At least they're painting it. They cannot afford to do the bridge at one time, so they do one bit at a time. Those towers have needed repainting for years, and this is the first time they've stripped it down to bare metal since they were built. It will retain the same color "Sea Foam Federal Green" which is a nice color for these bridges.


www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2015/08/10/million-spent-repaint-delaware-memorial-bridge/31432197/

Another article regarding the Delaware Memorial Bridge painting, with some of the same info as in the Delaware Online article Steve presented above:  http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/09/44_stories_above_the_delaware_river_bridge_paint_j.html#incart_river

Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

Try the Walt Whitman. If it doesn't work, then try the Trenton Makes bridge, because that's your last chance to cross the Delaware until the NYC metro.

You also have the Calhoun Street bridge in Trenton, the Washingtons Crossing bridge off of Rt. 29 in Titusville, the New Hope - Lambertville bridge (US 202) in New Hope, PA / Lambertville, NJ, the Rt. 12 bridge in Frenchtown... I don't consider any of those in the NYC metro.

Quote from: noelbotevera on September 08, 2015, 05:30:33 PM

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

Try the Walt Whitman. If it doesn't work, then try the Trenton Makes bridge, because that's your last chance to cross the Delaware until the NYC metro.

Given that he's heading that way during the weekend of the Pope's visit, per this thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=16317.0); using the Walt Whitman (mainly I-76 leading up to it) will not be an option.

Quote from: Zeffy on September 08, 2015, 05:39:00 PM
You also have the Calhoun Street bridge in Trenton, the Washingtons Crossing bridge off of Rt. 29 in Titusville, the New Hope - Lambertville bridge (US 202) in New Hope, PA / Lambertville, NJ, the Rt. 12 bridge in Frenchtown... I don't consider any of those in the NYC metro.

The last two I'd say roughly in the metro. NYC metro takes a ton of northern NJ, and the NJ 29 and Calhoun St. bridge I never knew about.

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

It all depends on your exact timing, but the DRBA has said they will have all lanes open during the Pope's visit in Philly. You should be fine.

Quote from: noelbotevera on September 08, 2015, 05:30:33 PM

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

Try the Walt Whitman. If it doesn't work, then try the Trenton Makes bridge, because that's your last chance to cross the Delaware until the NYC metro.

Seriously dude. You gave him the option of using a bridge where the highway will be closed leading to it during his travel time, and a 25 mph bridge one would access via local residential streets after hitting some intersections with traffic lights in PA, and no easy connection to other highways in NJ. Yet, you ignored the US 1 bridge right next to it. And you left out several other highway bridges between the two states, including the PA-NJ Turnpike bridge which from Lancaster would be an appropriate alternative.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 08, 2015, 06:20:43 PM

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

It all depends on your exact timing, but the DRBA has said they will have all lanes open during the Pope's visit in Philly. You should be fine.

Quote from: noelbotevera on September 08, 2015, 05:30:33 PM

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

Try the Walt Whitman. If it doesn't work, then try the Trenton Makes bridge, because that's your last chance to cross the Delaware until the NYC metro.

Seriously dude. You gave him the option of using a bridge where the highway will be closed leading to it during his travel time, and a 25 mph bridge one would access via local residential streets after hitting some intersections with traffic lights in PA, and no easy connection to other highways in NJ. Yet, you ignored the US 1 bridge right next to it. And you left out several other highway bridges between the two states, including the PA-NJ Turnpike bridge which from Lancaster would be an appropriate alternative.

Calm down. I only know a select few bridges that cross the Delaware and some other bridges I later picked up. I went to AC over two months before him.

Quote from: noelbotevera on September 08, 2015, 06:27:42 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 08, 2015, 06:20:43 PM

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

It all depends on your exact timing, but the DRBA has said they will have all lanes open during the Pope's visit in Philly. You should be fine.

Quote from: noelbotevera on September 08, 2015, 05:30:33 PM

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 04:14:15 PM
Ok, so the New Jersey\ north bound span is done and no lanes closed? My wife and I are going to Atlantic City coming from central PA and I plan to cross this bridge.

Try the Walt Whitman. If it doesn't work, then try the Trenton Makes bridge, because that's your last chance to cross the Delaware until the NYC metro.

Seriously dude. You gave him the option of using a bridge where the highway will be closed leading to it during his travel time, and a 25 mph bridge one would access via local residential streets after hitting some intersections with traffic lights in PA, and no easy connection to other highways in NJ. Yet, you ignored the US 1 bridge right next to it. And you left out several other highway bridges between the two states, including the PA-NJ Turnpike bridge which from Lancaster would be an appropriate alternative.

Calm down. I only know a select few bridges that cross the Delaware and some other bridges I later picked up. I went to AC over two months before him.

Thanks for the info guys, Noelbotevera- the Del. mem. Bridge is the most direct route for me to take into Jersey from Lancaster Co. I was originally going to go through Philly until I found out about the Pope visit and quickly scrapped that plan. It has been MANY years since I was in Trenton and barely know how to manuver through the city and that would be too far out of my way unless I was heading to Seaside Hights. It will be Sunday evening so traffic on 41 from Gap should be ok and US 40 through South Jersey should be fine too.

Quote from: jpi on September 08, 2015, 06:39:57 PM
Thanks for the info guys, Noelbotevera- the Del. mem. Bridge is the most direct route for me to take into Jersey from Lancaster Co. I was originally going to go through Philly until I found out about the Pope visit and quickly scrapped that plan. It has been MANY years since I was in Trenton and barely know how to manuver through the city and that would be too far out of my way unless I was heading to Seaside Hights. It will be Sunday evening so traffic on 41 from Gap should be ok and US 40 through South Jersey should be fine too.

The Calhoun Street Bridge in Trenton allows direct access to NJ 29 south which leads to I-295 which you can take or I-195 to the Turnpike and then the Atlantic City Expressway. Only a bit of navigating would be needed for either the Trenton Makes or the Trenton Freeway bridge (US 1), where only a few turns are really needed.

Of course, yes, if you are coming from Lancaster County, PA, you should probably just stick with the Delaware Memorial Bridge rather than detouring up to Trenton.

Also, have you considered the Tacony-Palmyra bridge (NJ 73), or is that too close to Philadelphia meaning it would be a clusterfuck? There's also the NJ 413 bridge in Burlington (for lack of a better name) you can use, both of which are much closer to where you can still easily access Atlantic City.

That poor Commodore Barry Bridge gets no love. :P The route that goes over it takes you directly to AC!

Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 08, 2015, 06:58:51 PM
That poor Commodore Barry Bridge gets no love. :P The route that goes over it takes you directly to AC!

For some reason, it's the only Delaware River crossing bridge that I will completely blank on.

Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 08, 2015, 06:58:51 PM
That poor Commodore Barry Bridge gets no love. :P The route that goes over it takes you directly to AC!

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Why did I have to choose the Walt Whitman and NJ 42 into AC.............ugh

Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 08, 2015, 06:58:51 PM
That poor Commodore Barry Bridge gets no love. :P The route that goes over it takes you directly to AC!

Shhhh. As a Delaware County resident, we like to keep the Commodore a secret lol

I think, when someone is asking for directions, people need to keep the route in mind.  Telling someone to go over a 15 mph (Calhoun) or 25 mph (Trenton Makes) bridge, which requires going thru a small town (Morrisville), which requires exiting a fast highway (US 1), which would require someone exit an even faster highway (PA Turnpike), is idiotic at best, unless that person has put in a request to see small bridges or other landmarks along the route.  Especially when the advise given taking all these slow roads would put someone in the same exact spot as if they just stayed on the highways in the first place.

Quote from: Zeffy on September 08, 2015, 06:46:01 PM
The Calhoun Street Bridge in Trenton allows direct access to NJ 29 south

What about the part in PA where he would need to drive to get to the Calhoun Street Bridge in the first place.  He's not going to copter over to the bridge and just start driving from that point; he needs to drive there first.  And there's a whole lot of local roads needed to get there.

Quotewhich leads to I-295 which you can take or I-195 to the Turnpike and then the Atlantic City Expressway. Only a bit of navigating would be needed for either the Trenton Makes or the Trenton Freeway bridge (US 1), where only a few turns are really needed.

He has seemed to prefer just a direct route, not a sightseeing tour of New Jersey.  And considering both 295 and the NJ Turnpike run in a SW direction from Trenton, he's needlessly going the wrong direction.  And both may have issues regarding traffic for the Pope's visit.

Quote
Also, have you considered the Tacony-Palmyra bridge (NJ 73), or is that too close to Philadelphia meaning it would be a clusterfuck? There's also the NJ 413 bridge in Burlington (for lack of a better name) you can use, both of which are much closer to where you can still easily access Atlantic City.

Again - quit with the sightseeing tours.  How would he get to the Tacony Bridge?  Or the Burlington Bristol Bridge (which is that bridge's name)?  You're trying to give advise how to travel around NJ...but you need to look at the PA side as well.  What possible sense would it make to be going over the single lane bridges on a long roadtrip when faster routes exist?

Honestly, much of this thread is just frustrating regarding giving what should be easy directions from Lancaster to AC.  There's plenty of info out there regarding the traffic issues that may develop because of the Pope's visit, which *some* people are trying to help him avoid.

I think, IMO the US 30 to PA/DE 41 to DE 141, to US 40 via I-95/295 is the best and more direct route if you want to bypass Philly.  In addition there are several other back roads that parallel US 30 if you want to avoid the traffic on that congested highway.  Just cut over to Strasburg and head east on its route out of town and you will join PA 41 in Gap.

Quote from: roadman65 on September 08, 2015, 10:09:41 PM
I think, IMO the US 30 to PA/DE 41 to DE 141, to US 40 via I-95/295 is the best and more direct route if you want to bypass Philly.  In addition there are several other back roads that parallel US 30 if you want to avoid the traffic on that congested highway.  Just cut over to Strasburg and head east on its route out of town and you will join PA 41 in Gap.

The route from Strasburg to Gap is PA 741.  It goes past the Strasburg RR (which I rode as a kid and as a 30something), the RR Museum of PA (no admission required to browse or buy books at its gift shop), and the Choo Choo Barn (nice toy train display, toy train component inventory, and train magazine selection).

ixnay

US 30 is awful from the end of the Lancaster by-pass to PA 41...PA 340 -> PA772 is a little better.  PA 741 isn't too bad either, but you would have to exit US 30 at the PA 462 exit, turn right, and then a left onto Strasburg Pike.  That will lead you to PA 741. 

But Lancaster County is pretty big...where in Lancaster County?  If in Western Lancaster County, I think the above getting to PA/DE41 to the Del Mem Br is prob best. But if in Southern Lancaster County, US 222 -> PA 472 -> US 1 north to PA 41 would be better than going up to US 30. 

And if in northern Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 09:18:14 AM
Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

AGAIN...the weekend in question, I-76 will be closed; I-476 is the Detour Route.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 10:01:47 AM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 09:18:14 AM
Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

AGAIN...the weekend in question, I-76 will be closed; I-476 is the Detour Route.

Ooof...yeah, scratch that.  Then...US 322 E -> PA 10 S -> PA 41...all 2 lane roads but are relatively rural.

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 10:26:09 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 10:01:47 AM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 09:18:14 AM
Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

AGAIN...the weekend in question, I-76 will be closed; I-476 is the Detour Route.

Ooof...yeah, scratch that.  Then...US 322 E -> PA 10 S -> PA 41...all 2 lane roads but are relatively rural.

Rural and mostly straight, but very busy.  PA 41 is a major trucking route into Delaware and towards 95.   And enjoy the smell of the mushrooms as you get close to Avondale!

Again thanks everyone, glad this has turned into a lively discusion! :-P Some of you already know this but I grew up in nearby York County and my parents used to take 30-41-95-295-40 route to south Jersey beaches alot. It has been many years since I took 741 so I may consider that for something different. I may consider the Comm. Barry Bridge for the drive back Monday evening.

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 10:26:09 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 10:01:47 AM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 09:18:14 AM
Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

AGAIN...the weekend in question, I-76 will be closed; I-476 is the Detour Route.

Ooof...yeah, scratch that.  Then...US 322 E -> PA 10 S -> PA 41...all 2 lane roads but are relatively rural.

According to official reports 76 will be open eastbound as far as 476 (http://6abc.com/religion/major-highway-closures-in-philly-announced-for-papal-visit/904413/), so if one needs to get from the Turnpike to the Barry Bridge that route will be open.

But coming from York 30-41-1-322 would be shorter and faster even with 30 east of Lancaster being sluggish.

Quote from: Duke87 on September 09, 2015, 10:13:01 PM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 10:26:09 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 10:01:47 AM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 09:18:14 AM
Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

AGAIN...the weekend in question, I-76 will be closed; I-476 is the Detour Route.

Ooof...yeah, scratch that.  Then...US 322 E -> PA 10 S -> PA 41...all 2 lane roads but are relatively rural.

According to official reports 76 will be open eastbound as far as 476 (http://6abc.com/religion/major-highway-closures-in-philly-announced-for-papal-visit/904413/), so if one needs to get from the Turnpike to the Barry Bridge that route will be open.

Exactly. The problem is, the Schuylkill is normally 2 lanes per direction, and congested. The Blue Route starts out with 3 lanes, then narrows down to 2, and is often congested.

Remove one of those highways and force everyone onto the other is a recipe for a parking lot with more parked cars than the King of Prussia mall on Black Friday!

So while technically you can go 76-476-95-322, I wouldn't recommend it!

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 11:05:36 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on September 09, 2015, 10:13:01 PM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 10:26:09 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 10:01:47 AM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 09:18:14 AM
Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

AGAIN...the weekend in question, I-76 will be closed; I-476 is the Detour Route.

Ooof...yeah, scratch that.  Then...US 322 E -> PA 10 S -> PA 41...all 2 lane roads but are relatively rural.

According to official reports 76 will be open eastbound as far as 476 (http://6abc.com/religion/major-highway-closures-in-philly-announced-for-papal-visit/904413/), so if one needs to get from the Turnpike to the Barry Bridge that route will be open.

Exactly. The problem is, the Schuylkill is normally 2 lanes per direction, and congested. The Blue Route starts out with 3 lanes, then narrows down to 2, and is often congested.

Remove one of those highways and force everyone onto the other is a recipe for a parking lot with more parked cars than the King of Prussia mall on Black Friday!

So while technically you can go 76-476-95-322, I wouldn't recommend it!

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 11:05:36 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on September 09, 2015, 10:13:01 PM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 10:26:09 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 09, 2015, 10:01:47 AM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on September 09, 2015, 09:18:14 AM
Lancaster, if not avoiding tolls, I'd probably recommend the PA Turnpike -> I-76 E -> I-476 S -> I-95 S to the Commodore Barry.

AGAIN...the weekend in question, I-76 will be closed; I-476 is the Detour Route.

Ooof...yeah, scratch that.  Then...US 322 E -> PA 10 S -> PA 41...all 2 lane roads but are relatively rural.

According to official reports 76 will be open eastbound as far as 476 (http://6abc.com/religion/major-highway-closures-in-philly-announced-for-papal-visit/904413/), so if one needs to get from the Turnpike to the Barry Bridge that route will be open.

Exactly. The problem is, the Schuylkill is normally 2 lanes per direction, and congested. The Blue Route starts out with 3 lanes, then narrows down to 2, and is often congested.

Remove one of those highways and force everyone onto the other is a recipe for a parking lot with more parked cars than the King of Prussia mall on Black Friday!

So while technically you can go 76-476-95-322, I wouldn't recommend it!

According to page 4 of this: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/press/2015/pdf/papalpressconference.pdf
they want you out of South Jersey and the Philly Area if at all possible, so according to that, you'd have to go all the way up to I-78 and down the Parkway (or take the Cape May - Lewis Ferry) to avoid problems

I'd recommend as an alternative just US-30 east to US-202 South to I-95 South, to I-295 North/US40 East (Delaware Memorial Bridge)
Its mostly expressways, and it will be busy, but there aren't any real wildcards thrown in there.  I think the Barry could be pretty busy that weekend..

Quote from: Chris19001 on September 10, 2015, 10:16:39 AM
I'd recommend as an alternative just US-30 east to US-202 South to I-95 South, to I-295 North/US40 East (Delaware Memorial Bridge)
Its mostly expressways, and it will be busy, but there aren't any real wildcards thrown in there.  I think the Barry could be pretty busy that weekend..

Portions of US 30 and US 202, particularly the non-expressway segments, are crowded enough on weekends in general.  I would not recommend using either road for that particular weekend.

In short, avoid southeastern PA for that weekend as much as possible.  Jpi's planned 30 (or 741) -41-95-295-40 routing does just that.

http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/09/44_stories_above_the_delaware_river_bridge_paint_j.html

Quote from: SteveG1988 on September 16, 2015, 10:50:35 AM
http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/09/44_stories_above_the_delaware_river_bridge_paint_j.html

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.

The toll hikes on the Burlington County Bridge Comission spans went into effect.

Car Rate:
$3.00 Ezpass
$4.00 Cash

Emergency Construction on the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Delaware-bound, closes 3 out of 4 lanes.  All traffic is forced into the right-most southbound lane.  This is all due to emergency work on suspender support ropes, where workers found 3 close to each other that needed to be replaced pronto.

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2016/04/19/3-southbound-lanes-delaware-memorial-bridge-closed/83247874/

http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2016/04/headed_south_delaware_memorial_bridge_work_causing.html

Traffic cams for the DRBA: http://www.drba.net/DelawareMemorialBridge/DRBALiveTrafficCameras.aspx

Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 20, 2016, 08:16:33 AM
Emergency Construction on the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Delaware-bound, closes 3 out of 4 lanes.  All traffic is forced into the right-most southbound lane.  This is all due to emergency work on suspender support ropes, where workers found 3 close to each other that needed to be replaced pronto.

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2016/04/19/3-southbound-lanes-delaware-memorial-bridge-closed/83247874/

http://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2016/04/headed_south_delaware_memorial_bridge_work_causing.html

Traffic cams for the DRBA: http://www.drba.net/DelawareMemorialBridge/DRBALiveTrafficCameras.aspx

Looks like only one lane is closed now.  Guess they're making quick work of the repairs.

Don't they do the crossover anymore?  Like making the other span two way?  Why make one single lane when they can have two for each way?  They do have the overhead signals even though they have no zipper barriers, or does now the FHWA not allow undivided freeways anymore?

Quote from: roadman65 on April 24, 2016, 08:02:01 PM
Don't they do the crossover anymore?  Like making the other span two way?  Why make one single lane when they can have two for each way?  They do have the overhead signals even though they have no zipper barriers, or does now the FHWA not allow undivided freeways anymore?

PennDOT just put in "contraflow gates" to allow for two-lane traffic on the US 22/US 322 (http://abc27.com/2016/03/29/addition-of-median-gates-to-restrict-traffic-on-22322-next-2-weekends/) freeway northwest of Harrisburg in case an accident or whatsoever closes on side of the road in preparation for the US 11/US 15 closure starting next weekend. 

Quote from: roadman65 on April 24, 2016, 08:02:01 PM
Don't they do the crossover anymore?  Like making the other span two way?  Why make one single lane when they can have two for each way?  They do have the overhead signals even though they have no zipper barriers, or does now the FHWA not allow undivided freeways anymore?

It's all different now.

Here's a GSV of the crossover.  Note the barrier thru what used to be the 2 lanes.  It appears it's not permanent so it could be moved if necessary, but there's no lane markings or anything.  https://goo.gl/maps/teCG8XQ2nyv

Here's the bridge going into NJ, looking back towards DE.  Note the absence of the lane control signals.  They took them out a long time ago, which means they have no plans to using the bridges for temporary 2 way traffic: https://goo.gl/maps/NB1zoTqAHTo  There are lane controls on the sign supports at the base of each bridge, but that's it (and they're, of course, only red in color.  In fact, a closeup view appears that they are standard traffic lights, rather than arrows): https://goo.gl/maps/iN9ZiWsqoWD2

They commonly do construction during the week on these bridges, and you can expect 1 lane to be closed each way fairly frequently.  If that was the case here (I think it was), all 4 lanes weren't available anyway.

There's also something to be said about making a bad situation worse.   As it was in this situation, DE bound traffic had to suffer thru some massive delays, but there were options that they started publicizing as best as possible: Take the Comm. Barry.  Take the Walt Whitman, etc. 

But...there were no delays NJ-bound.  It was known to be a temporary situation; 3 days at the most (turned out to be fewer than 2 full days).  Do you reduce traffic to 2 lanes each way, congesting traffic in both directions?  What type of barriers would be used, and how long does it take to set up 2 way traffic?  It would be a very unusual setup for the bridge, meaning traffic will be moving even slower than normal.  And those crossover jersey barriers would need to be moved.  Since the era of EZ Pass, contra-flow bridge traffic has never been done, and thus there is no signage prior to the toll plaza to inform motorists of the EZ Pass/Cash lanes. 

If one bridge had to be completely shut down for a long period of time, this stuff can be handled.  For an emergency situation that was projected to last 72 hours as the most, it wasn't necessary.

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Delaware-Memorial-Bridge-Lane-Closure-Wires-382074211.html

Another closure for DE bound traffic. At least this time it's only two lanes.

QuoteTwo Delaware-bound lanes of the bridge that connects the First State with New Jersey will remain closed until 8 p.m., said the bridge.

The closure will allow crews to replace wire ropes that connect the bridge deck with the main suspension cable, said the bridge on its Twitter feed.

Wow! A bridge that can talk and tweet. 

Quote from: BrianP on June 07, 2016, 09:43:49 AM
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Delaware-Memorial-Bridge-Lane-Closure-Wires-382074211.html

Another closure for DE bound traffic. At least this time it's only two lanes.

QuoteTwo Delaware-bound lanes of the bridge that connects the First State with New Jersey will remain closed until 8 p.m., said the bridge.

The closure will allow crews to replace wire ropes that connect the bridge deck with the main suspension cable, said the bridge on its Twitter feed.

Wow! A bridge that can talk and tweet.

Took the words right out of my mouth!

ixnay

Hmmm I realized that Google hasn't removed the Turnpike bridge over the Delaware river from their maps due to it being closed.  They removed the I-495 bridge in Delaware when that was closed.

And it still isn't known when it will open.

QuoteBecause of that, there is no target date to reopen the bridge to traffic.

http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2017/01/9m_prep_work_to_fix_closed_delaware_river_bridge_begins.html

Although asking for directions does avoid using the closed bridge.  So I guess they skipped removing the bridge from the map.  Maybe because the bridge would still be there in the aerial map. 

Aside: I don't recall the NJ Turnpike extension that leads to this bridge being called the Pearl Harbor extension. 

Quote from: BrianP on February 03, 2017, 04:18:55 PM
Hmmm I realized that Google hasn't removed the Turnpike bridge over the Delaware river from their maps due to it being closed.  They removed the I-495 bridge in Delaware when that was closed.

if you have traffic enabled, it shows the bridge as closed.

Quote from: BrianP on February 03, 2017, 04:18:55 PM
Hmmm I realized that Google hasn't removed the Turnpike bridge over the Delaware river from their maps due to it being closed.  They removed the I-495 bridge in Delaware when that was closed.

And it still isn't known when it will open.

QuoteBecause of that, there is no target date to reopen the bridge to traffic.

http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2017/01/9m_prep_work_to_fix_closed_delaware_river_bridge_begins.html

Although asking for directions does avoid using the closed bridge.  So I guess they skipped removing the bridge from the map.  Maybe because the bridge would still be there in the aerial map. 

Aside: I don't recall the NJ Turnpike extension that leads to this bridge being called the Pearl Harbor extension. 

The Turnpike renamed it that probably over a decade ago...maybe even 2 decades ago. They tend to be the only one that uses the name...many others simply say the Turnpike extension.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2017, 05:57:19 PM

Quote from: BrianP on February 03, 2017, 04:18:55 PM
Hmmm I realized that Google hasn't removed the Turnpike bridge over the Delaware river from their maps due to it being closed.  They removed the I-495 bridge in Delaware when that was closed.

And it still isn't known when it will open.

QuoteBecause of that, there is no target date to reopen the bridge to traffic.

http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2017/01/9m_prep_work_to_fix_closed_delaware_river_bridge_begins.html

Although asking for directions does avoid using the closed bridge.  So I guess they skipped removing the bridge from the map.  Maybe because the bridge would still be there in the aerial map. 

Aside: I don't recall the NJ Turnpike extension that leads to this bridge being called the Pearl Harbor extension. 

The Turnpike renamed it that probably over a decade ago...maybe even 2 decades ago. They tend to be the only one that uses the name...many others simply say the Turnpike extension.

Pearl Harbor still begins with P, for Pennsylvania. Newark Bay they had to add Hudson County on the end to preserve the N.

Quote from: Alps on February 03, 2017, 06:17:46 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2017, 05:57:19 PM

Quote from: BrianP on February 03, 2017, 04:18:55 PM
Hmmm I realized that Google hasn't removed the Turnpike bridge over the Delaware river from their maps due to it being closed.  They removed the I-495 bridge in Delaware when that was closed.

And it still isn't known when it will open.

QuoteBecause of that, there is no target date to reopen the bridge to traffic.

http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2017/01/9m_prep_work_to_fix_closed_delaware_river_bridge_begins.html

Although asking for directions does avoid using the closed bridge.  So I guess they skipped removing the bridge from the map.  Maybe because the bridge would still be there in the aerial map. 

Aside: I don't recall the NJ Turnpike extension that leads to this bridge being called the Pearl Harbor extension. 

The Turnpike renamed it that probably over a decade ago...maybe even 2 decades ago. They tend to be the only one that uses the name...many others simply say the Turnpike extension.

Pearl Harbor still begins with P, for Pennsylvania. Newark Bay they had to add Hudson County on the end to preserve the N.

What difference does it make whether or not it begins with a P? It's not like anyone calls it the P extension. At any rate, none of these names appear on any (permanent) signage. It's just Exit 6 from the mainline and NJ Turnpike from PA and US 130. Ditto for I-78, just exits 14A-B-C.

Quote from: bzakharin on February 05, 2017, 12:20:31 PM

Quote from: Alps on February 03, 2017, 06:17:46 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2017, 05:57:19 PM

Quote from: BrianP on February 03, 2017, 04:18:55 PM
Hmmm I realized that Google hasn't removed the Turnpike bridge over the Delaware river from their maps due to it being closed.  They removed the I-495 bridge in Delaware when that was closed.

And it still isn't known when it will open.

QuoteBecause of that, there is no target date to reopen the bridge to traffic.

http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2017/01/9m_prep_work_to_fix_closed_delaware_river_bridge_begins.html

Although asking for directions does avoid using the closed bridge.  So I guess they skipped removing the bridge from the map.  Maybe because the bridge would still be there in the aerial map. 

Aside: I don't recall the NJ Turnpike extension that leads to this bridge being called the Pearl Harbor extension. 

The Turnpike renamed it that probably over a decade ago...maybe even 2 decades ago. They tend to be the only one that uses the name...many others simply say the Turnpike extension.

Pearl Harbor still begins with P, for Pennsylvania. Newark Bay they had to add Hudson County on the end to preserve the N.

What difference does it make whether or not it begins with a P? It's not like anyone calls it the P extension. At any rate, none of these names appear on any (permanent) signage. It's just Exit 6 from the mainline and NJ Turnpike from PA and US 130. Ditto for I-78, just exits 14A-B-C.

Internal referencing for everything (bridges and mile markers especially). Look at the mile markers and you'll see P1.2 or N6.8. The bridge that just failed is called "P0.0" after the milepost. I know, it's trivial to change the letter, but important to them to maintain continuity.

NJ.com published a story showing the amount of revenue and number of crossings (from NJ) each bridge (or agency) had in 2016.

http://www.nj.com/burlington/index.ssf/2017/10/how_much_tolls_get_paid_on_each_bridge_ranked.html#incart_river_home

Based on the figures provided, I broke the figures down to show the average fare per crossing.  Note: Unless otherwise mentioned, the crossings do have an EZ Pass savings plan available for frequent customers.

Delaware Memorial Bridge: $103.8m in revenue, 18m crossings; average $5.79 toll per crossing ($4 for cars)
Commodore Barry Bridge: $55.7m, 7.3m crossings, $7.62/crossing ($5 for cars)
Walt Whitman Bridge: $124.4m, 19.9m crossings, $6.24/crossing ($5 for cars)
Ben Franklin Bridge: $101.9m 18.3m crossings, $5.55/crossing ($5 for cars)
Betsy Ross Bridge: $40.4m, 6.2m crossings, $6.54/crossing ($5 for cars)
Burlington Bristol/Tacony Palmyra Bridges (total): $51.2m, 13.5m crossings, $3.79/crossing ($3 EZ Pass, $4 Cash for cars)

Those numbers suggest that the Commodore Barry Bridge has a high level of trucks as a percentage of bridge traffic, and the Burlington-Briston and Tacony-Palmyra have very low truck volumes.

Quote from: froggie on October 23, 2017, 09:02:06 AM
Those numbers suggest that the Commodore Barry Bridge has a high level of trucks as a percentage of bridge traffic, and the Burlington-Briston and Tacony-Palmyra have very low truck volumes.

Based on the figures, and my occasional observations, those assumptions are correct.

The Com Barry isn't an interstate highway, but due to numerous industrial/business parks nearby on the NJ side of the river, it does make sense they receive quite a bit of truck traffic.   The Walt and Ben bridges are near each other, but trucks do have an easier time with the Walt so it makes sense that average fare paid is higher.  The Burlington bridges are small and tight with poor connections, so they are mostly car crossings.  The numbers, relatively speaking, do seem to jive with actual conditions.

The Commodore Barry bridge may not be an Interstate, but correct me if I'm wrong, it's a full freeway link between I-95 in PA and I-295 North in NJ (via US 130). There are even portions of Wilmington that are easier to access from NJ via PA than via Delaware Memorial.

Quote from: bzakharin on October 23, 2017, 01:07:35 PM
The Commodore Barry bridge may not be an Interstate, but correct me if I'm wrong, it's a full freeway link between I-95 in PA and I-295 North in NJ (via US 130). There are even portions of Wilmington that are easier to access from NJ via PA than via Delaware Memorial.

More expressway than anything but there are no lights or intersections of any kind on that stretch. Also it's easier to get to the north side of Wilmington as well as Downtown from NJ via 95 through PA if you use the Commodore than it is staying on 295 to the DE Memorial. Using the Commodore also helps you avoid the inevitable back ups on 95 through Chester.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/acrophobia-bridge-driving-escort-delaware-new-jersey-philadelphia-20180411.html

Quote...Drivers in mortal dread of crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge, connecting New Castle, Del., and Pennsville, N.J., can turn to the Acrophobia Escorts program, named after the fear of heights. Patrolmen meet them at the head of the bridge, then drive their cars across for them...

Quote...At the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the phobic are not as rare as one might expect, with 323 transports in 2017 and 468 the year before. About 60 percent are repeat customers, according to Col. Richard Arroyo of the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the twin suspension bridges; some regulars call ahead to schedule appointments when they know they will be traveling to the area. Men are just as scared as women, millennials as bridge-shy as boomers...

Quote..."I'm surprised that they trust someone else to drive them, as opposed to being behind the wheel themselves,"  (Patrolman Burkhead) said. "For me, being a Type A personality, that would be the complete opposite of how I would feel. I would want to be in control." ...

Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 11, 2018, 11:52:05 AM
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/acrophobia-bridge-driving-escort-delaware-new-jersey-philadelphia-20180411.html

Quote...Drivers in mortal dread of crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge, connecting New Castle, Del., and Pennsville, N.J., can turn to the Acrophobia Escorts program, named after the fear of heights. Patrolmen meet them at the head of the bridge, then drive their cars across for them...

Quote...At the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the phobic are not as rare as one might expect, with 323 transports in 2017 and 468 the year before. About 60 percent are repeat customers, according to Col. Richard Arroyo of the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the twin suspension bridges; some regulars call ahead to schedule appointments when they know they will be traveling to the area. Men are just as scared as women, millennials as bridge-shy as boomers...

Quote..."I'm surprised that they trust someone else to drive them, as opposed to being behind the wheel themselves,"  (Patrolman Burkhead) said. "For me, being a Type A personality, that would be the complete opposite of how I would feel. I would want to be in control." ...

I remember seeing (I think it was on an episode of Modern Marvels from a while back) how they have this service on the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan also because of the height of the bridge, the open grate lanes, and the low guardrails.

Delaware Memorial Bridge toll could rise $1 on March 1 (https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/11/27/delaware-memorial-bridge-toll-could-rise-1-march-1/2124227002/)

QuoteThe following projects are planned to take place over the next five to 10 years:

    Bridge paint removal and recoating: $48.2 million
    Suspension rope replacement: $24.5 million
    Bridge steelwork repairs: $40.5 million
    Pin and link rehabilitation: $19.7 million
    Ship collision protection system: $45.2 million
    Bridge deck repair: $21.5 million
    Transfer bridge repairs at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry: $4.3 million
    Ferry repowering program: $9.5 million

From what I saw on the Scudder Falls Bridge website, the toll will go live next year.

Does anyone have any pics of the crossover at the western end of the Del. Mem. Bridge being used?  As in, one of the spans was closed to traffic so they used the crossover and divided traffic on the other?

Quote from: RobbieL2415 on November 29, 2018, 11:03:36 PM
Does anyone have any pics of the crossover at the western end of the Del. Mem. Bridge being used?  As in, one of the spans was closed to traffic so they used the crossover and divided traffic on the other?

I don't think they were ever used, unless it was when the second bridge was built and the first bridge had a little reconstruction going on.

I have recently discovered one reason why trucks will use the Commodore Barry Bridge, it allows for an easy path to the turnpike mainline. I've taken it in my truck to bypass Philadelphia going up to PA 100 via 322/202 from Chester. It provides a southern bypass of the city if your destination is in southern new jersey.

Quote from: RobbieL2415 on November 29, 2018, 11:03:36 PM
Does anyone have any pics of the crossover at the western end of the Del. Mem. Bridge being used?  As in, one of the spans was closed to traffic so they used the crossover and divided traffic on the other?

I have never seen them in use, and I have been crossing there long enough to remember when there was only one span for all traffic.

Quote from: bzakharin on October 23, 2017, 01:07:35 PM
The Commodore Barry bridge may not be an Interstate, but correct me if I'm wrong, it's a full freeway link between I-95 in PA and I-295 North in NJ (via US 130). There are even portions of Wilmington that are easier to access from NJ via PA than via Delaware Memorial.

It could be designated an Interstate highway. 

Could be I-895, connecting I-95 to I-295.

Quote from: Beltway on December 16, 2018, 11:31:27 PM

Quote from: bzakharin on October 23, 2017, 01:07:35 PM
The Commodore Barry bridge may not be an Interstate, but correct me if I'm wrong, it's a full freeway link between I-95 in PA and I-295 North in NJ (via US 130). There are even portions of Wilmington that are easier to access from NJ via PA than via Delaware Memorial.

It could be designated an Interstate highway. 

Could be I-895, connecting I-95 to I-295.

It could not be, because the part of 130 connecting 322 to 295 is not nearly up to standard.

Quote from: Alps on December 17, 2018, 12:00:25 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 16, 2018, 11:31:27 PM

Quote from: bzakharin on October 23, 2017, 01:07:35 PM
The Commodore Barry bridge may not be an Interstate, but correct me if I'm wrong, it's a full freeway link between I-95 in PA and I-295 North in NJ (via US 130). There are even portions of Wilmington that are easier to access from NJ via PA than via Delaware Memorial.

It could be designated an Interstate highway. 

Could be I-895, connecting I-95 to I-295.

It could not be, because the part of 130 connecting 322 to 295 is not nearly up to standard.

Additionally, US 322 between US 130 & I-295 is only a 2-lane load.

Quote from: PHLBOS on December 17, 2018, 08:43:29 AM

Quote from: Alps on December 17, 2018, 12:00:25 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 16, 2018, 11:31:27 PM

Quote from: bzakharin on October 23, 2017, 01:07:35 PM
The Commodore Barry bridge may not be an Interstate, but correct me if I'm wrong, it's a full freeway link between I-95 in PA and I-295 North in NJ (via US 130). There are even portions of Wilmington that are easier to access from NJ via PA than via Delaware Memorial.

It could be designated an Interstate highway. 

Could be I-895, connecting I-95 to I-295.

It could not be, because the part of 130 connecting 322 to 295 is not nearly up to standard.

Additionally, US 322 between US 130 & I-295 is only a 2-lane load.

If you're going Southbound on 295 (or northbound on 95), you wouldn't use that portion of 322, you'd exit to 130, which as has been mentioned is not to up to Interstate standards, but is more or less a freeway, to 322 which, again, is a freeway by that point. If you're going the other way, there's really no point in taking the Commodore Barry Bridge unless there is a major backup in very specific rarely backed up areas (or you're making a very short local trip)

Quote from: bzakharin on December 17, 2018, 09:13:50 AM

Quote from: PHLBOS on December 17, 2018, 08:43:29 AM

Quote from: Alps on December 17, 2018, 12:00:25 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 16, 2018, 11:31:27 PM

Quote from: bzakharin on October 23, 2017, 01:07:35 PM
The Commodore Barry bridge may not be an Interstate, but correct me if I'm wrong, it's a full freeway link between I-95 in PA and I-295 North in NJ (via US 130). There are even portions of Wilmington that are easier to access from NJ via PA than via Delaware Memorial.

It could be designated an Interstate highway. 

Could be I-895, connecting I-95 to I-295.

It could not be, because the part of 130 connecting 322 to 295 is not nearly up to standard.

Additionally, US 322 between US 130 & I-295 is only a 2-lane load.

If you're going Southbound on 295 (or northbound on 95), you wouldn't use that portion of 322, you'd exit to 130, which as has been mentioned is not to up to Interstate standards, but is more or less a freeway, to 322 which, again, is a freeway by that point. If you're going the other way, there's really no point in taking the Commodore Barry Bridge unless there is a major backup in very specific rarely backed up areas (or you're making a very short local trip)

It is worth noting that there have been many off-again/on-again plans/proposals to upgrade US 322 from US 130 to NJ 55 to freeway standards.  If such were ever to happen in our lifetimes, then IMHO I could see the point/purpose of designating all or a portion of that US 322 freeway east of I-95.

Delaware Memorial Bridge tolls will be increasing to $5 on March 1.

They did lower proposed increased tolls for trucks and commuters.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/18/tolls-delaware-memorial-bridge-going-up-1-march-1/2352171002/

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2018, 06:28:03 AM
Delaware Memorial Bridge rolls will be increasing to $5 on March 1.

They did lower proposed increased for trucks and commuters.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/18/tolls-delaware-memorial-bridge-going-up-1-march-1/2352171002/

Wait.  The Delaware Memorial Bridge sells rolls?  Nice amenity for commuters going to work.

Yes, I know you meant to say tolls.  Couldn't resist the comment though.

Quote from: roadman on December 19, 2018, 10:01:43 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2018, 06:28:03 AM
Delaware Memorial Bridge rolls will be increasing to $5 on March 1.

They did lower proposed increased for trucks and commuters.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/18/tolls-delaware-memorial-bridge-going-up-1-march-1/2352171002/

Wait.  The Delaware Memorial Bridge sells rolls?  Nice amenity for commuters going to work.

Yes, I know you meant to say tolls.  Couldn't resist the comment though.

My typing on a cell phone is horrendous.

My typing on a computer ain't much better!! LOL

Thanks for catching the error...I've corrected the original post!

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2018, 06:28:03 AM
Delaware Memorial Bridge tolls will be increasing to $5 on March 1.

They did lower proposed increased tolls for trucks and commuters.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/18/tolls-delaware-memorial-bridge-going-up-1-march-1/2352171002/

Honestly, it is about time. They've been doing a lot of projects on and around that bridge, it has a nice non-faded coat of paint on it (still weird seeing the actual dark green color they are meant to be) the repaving project on the ramps coming from the plaza to i-95 (not sure if it is all theirs or not). Plus, it may cause some traffic that would take it to instead consider 322 since the tolls are now going to be identical.

Quote from: SteveG1988 on December 20, 2018, 12:15:04 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2018, 06:28:03 AM
Delaware Memorial Bridge tolls will be increasing to $5 on March 1.

They did lower proposed increased tolls for trucks and commuters.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/18/tolls-delaware-memorial-bridge-going-up-1-march-1/2352171002/

Honestly, it is about time. They've been doing a lot of projects on and around that bridge, it has a nice non-faded coat of paint on it (still weird seeing the actual dark green color they are meant to be) the repaving project on the ramps coming from the plaza to i-95 (not sure if it is all theirs or not). Plus, it may cause some traffic that would take it to instead consider 322 since the tolls are now going to be identical.

All the projects through now have basically been funded from the previous toll increase. Favorable conditions - more traffic - has allowed them to push off an increase till now. 

When I head down to Delaware, I prefer the Delaware Memorial over the Commodore Barry whenever possible.  Obviously the toll savings is nice, but at an expense of possibly additional mileage.  But 95 in PA isn't a treat sometimes either  DE 52 in Wilmington and points west is my breaking point.  Depending on traffic, if I'm headed to destinations north of that, I'll take the Commodore Barry.  South of that I'll take the Delaware Memorial. 

I have found that when traffic is heavy on 295 in Delaware, staying right on the bridge, thru the tolls, and past DE 9 can result in some significant time savings, as most people want to stay left because they know 95 is on the left. 

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 20, 2018, 09:05:54 AM

Quote from: SteveG1988 on December 20, 2018, 12:15:04 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2018, 06:28:03 AM
Delaware Memorial Bridge tolls will be increasing to $5 on March 1.

They did lower proposed increased tolls for trucks and commuters.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/18/tolls-delaware-memorial-bridge-going-up-1-march-1/2352171002/

Honestly, it is about time. They've been doing a lot of projects on and around that bridge, it has a nice non-faded coat of paint on it (still weird seeing the actual dark green color they are meant to be) the repaving project on the ramps coming from the plaza to i-95 (not sure if it is all theirs or not). Plus, it may cause some traffic that would take it to instead consider 322 since the tolls are now going to be identical.

All the projects through now have basically been funded from the previous toll increase. Favorable conditions - more traffic - has allowed them to push off an increase till now. 

When I head down to Delaware, I prefer the Delaware Memorial over the Commodore Barry whenever possible.  Obviously the toll savings is nice, but at an expense of possibly additional mileage.  But 95 in PA isn't a treat sometimes either  DE 52 in Wilmington and points west is my breaking point.  Depending on traffic, if I'm headed to destinations north of that, I'll take the Commodore Barry.  South of that I'll take the Delaware Memorial. 

I have found that when traffic is heavy on 295 in Delaware, staying right on the bridge, thru the tolls, and past DE 9 can result in some significant time savings, as most people want to stay left because they know 95 is on the left. 

Yup, there comes a time when tolls have to go up. Look at the Burlington County Bridge Comisssion, nearly what, 13 years of 2 bucks to cross, finally up to 3 dollar ezpass 4 dollar cash. They have some major projects on the horizon.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2018, 06:28:03 AM
Delaware Memorial Bridge tolls will be increasing to $5 on March 1.

They did lower proposed increased tolls for trucks and commuters.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/18/tolls-delaware-memorial-bridge-going-up-1-march-1/2352171002/

Not so fast, says NJ Gov Murphy...
https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2019/01/03/new-jersey-governor-vetoes-1-toll-increase-delaware-memorial-bridge/2471029002/

https://www.inquirer.com/business/stadium-casino-cordish-seeks-release-from-highway-on-ramp-commitment-20190813.html

Near the Philadelphia stadium complex on Packer Ave just off I-76, a new casino hotel is being built.  Apparently as part of the bidding effort, each casino proposed a new on ramp onto I-76 West, especially as there's only one ramp for traffic to get to 76 West in the entire vicinity.  Now, the winner bidder, as they move along with the building, wants to back off their promise for the ramp.

Part of the issue is the DRPA.  Because the ramp would be a non-revenue generating ramp, they want nothing to do with it, especially the responsibility of paying for it.  If the ramp connected with 76 East, in theory it would generate revenue because round-trip traffic would either be coming from NJ initially, or will be returning from NJ.  A new ramp to I-76 West won't have the same effect.

There is an interesting component to the article as well, talking about the history of this particular piece of the highway system the DRPA owns.  Also interesting is that there are talks about how there may be a switch of jurisdictions in the future. 

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 13, 2019, 01:43:23 PM
https://www.inquirer.com/business/stadium-casino-cordish-seeks-release-from-highway-on-ramp-commitment-20190813.html

Near the Philadelphia stadium complex on Packer Ave just off I-76, a new casino hotel is being built.  Apparently as part of the bidding effort, each casino proposed a new on ramp onto I-76 West, especially as there's only one ramp for traffic to get to 76 West in the entire vicinity.  Now, the winner bidder, as they move along with the building, wants to back off their promise for the ramp.

Part of the issue is the DRPA.  Because the ramp would be a non-revenue generating ramp, they want nothing to do with it, especially the responsibility of paying for it.  If the ramp connected with 76 East, in theory it would generate revenue because round-trip traffic would either be coming from NJ initially, or will be returning from NJ.  A new ramp to I-76 West won't have the same effect.

There is an interesting component to the article as well, talking about the history of this particular piece of the highway system the DRPA owns.  Also interesting is that there are talks about how there may be a switch of jurisdictions in the future. 

Interesting, so if the Walt Whitman Bridge predates both I-95 an the Schuylkill Expressway, what was it meant to connect to on the PA side? PA 291? Wasn't he Schuylkill Expressway already being planned when the bridge was built? Why were there no provisions to connect the two?

Quote from: bzakharin on August 13, 2019, 03:05:19 PM
Interesting, so if the Walt Whitman Bridge predates both I-95 an the Schuylkill Expressway, what was it meant to connect to on the PA side? PA 291? Wasn't he Schuylkill Expressway already being planned when the bridge was built? Why were there no provisions to connect the two?

The bridge was built 1953-57 so that would mean that it was contemporary with the Schuylkill Expressway which was built in 1949-59.

So the two would have been planned to connect as they did.

Quote from: Beltway on August 13, 2019, 03:25:35 PM

Quote from: bzakharin on August 13, 2019, 03:05:19 PM
Interesting, so if the Walt Whitman Bridge predates both I-95 an the Schuylkill Expressway, what was it meant to connect to on the PA side? PA 291? Wasn't he Schuylkill Expressway already being planned when the bridge was built? Why were there no provisions to connect the two?

The bridge was built 1953-57 so that would mean that it was contemporary with the Schuylkill Expressway which was built in 1949-59.

So the two would have been planned to connect as they did.

The article says

Quote
The roadway was built and designed in the 1950s as a bridge approach, before it was part of the interstate highway system. Its primary mission was to take toll-paying traffic to and from the bridge, not to help traffic originating in Pennsylvania to travel away from the bridge.

The highway's role as an adjunct to the bridge explains why there are no exits from I-95 for traffic heading west on I-76 – but there are convenient exits on I-95 that take vehicles across the Walt Whitman Bridge.

This to me implies the bridge would connect to I-95 but not the Schuylkill Expressway. But based on how those I-95 ramps are built, it seems clear that the roadway was not supposed to end at I-95.

Quote from: bzakharin on August 13, 2019, 03:45:22 PM

Quote from: Beltway on August 13, 2019, 03:25:35 PM

Quote from: bzakharin on August 13, 2019, 03:05:19 PM
Interesting, so if the Walt Whitman Bridge predates both I-95 an the Schuylkill Expressway, what was it meant to connect to on the PA side? PA 291? Wasn't he Schuylkill Expressway already being planned when the bridge was built? Why were there no provisions to connect the two?

The bridge was built 1953-57 so that would mean that it was contemporary with the Schuylkill Expressway which was built in 1949-59.

So the two would have been planned to connect as they did.

The article says

Quote
The roadway was built and designed in the 1950s as a bridge approach, before it was part of the interstate highway system. Its primary mission was to take toll-paying traffic to and from the bridge, not to help traffic originating in Pennsylvania to travel away from the bridge.

The highway's role as an adjunct to the bridge explains why there are no exits from I-95 for traffic heading west on I-76 – but there are convenient exits on I-95 that take vehicles across the Walt Whitman Bridge.

This to me implies the bridge would connect to I-95 but not the Schuylkill Expressway. But based on how those I-95 ramps are built, it seems clear that the roadway was not supposed to end at I-95.

It sounds like it is/was a situation like I-895 in Baltimore - no exits before the tolls northbound. Southbound exits were OK because they were coming off the already tolled I-95/JFK Highway.

Quote from: bzakharin on August 13, 2019, 03:45:22 PM

Quote from: Beltway on August 13, 2019, 03:25:35 PM
The bridge was built 1953-57 so that would mean that it was contemporary with the Schuylkill Expressway which was built in 1949-59.
So the two would have been planned to connect as they did.

The article says

Quote
The roadway was built and designed in the 1950s as a bridge approach, before it was part of the interstate highway system. Its primary mission was to take toll-paying traffic to and from the bridge, not to help traffic originating in Pennsylvania to travel away from the bridge.
The highway's role as an adjunct to the bridge explains why there are no exits from I-95 for traffic heading west on I-76 – but there are convenient exits on I-95 that take vehicles across the Walt Whitman Bridge.

This to me implies the bridge would connect to I-95 but not the Schuylkill Expressway. But based on how those I-95 ramps are built, it seems clear that the roadway was not supposed to end at I-95.

The Schuylkill Expressway wasn't part of the Interstate highway system when it was completed, it was PA-43.

There was no detailed design for I-95 in the late 1950s, so they wouldn't have been thinking about how to tie the bridge to I-95.

There is no exit from southerly I-95 to I-76 WB because Broad Street and PA-291 handle that movement in a more direct manner.

Quote from: famartin on August 13, 2019, 03:51:10 PM
It sounds like it is/was a situation like I-895 in Baltimore - no exits before the tolls northbound. Southbound exits were OK because they were coming off the already tolled I-95/JFK Highway.

Not exactly. 

I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Thruway) used to have exactly one "free" exit southbound - at Moravia Road (presently I-895 Exit 14).  After that, the next exits were after the toll barrier (and south of the tunnel) at Frankfurst Avenue (presently Exits 8A and 8B).

In more recent time, a "free" exit was added southbound at Lombard Street (present Exit 12) perhaps to improve highway access to Bayview Hospital (a "free" entrance ramp from Lombard Street to I-895 northbound was added at the same time).

Also, the southern part of the JFK Highway (roughly present-day Exit 62 (I-895) to Exit 67 (MD-43)) was never tolled, even though it has long been maintained by the MDTA (I can remember when this short section of freeway was maintained by MDOT/SHA).   When the JFK Highway had tolls on the ramps (discontinued about 1982 or 1983 in Maryland), there were several warning signs northbound approaching Exit 67 (exit numbers were different then) that the road was a toll road beyond MD-43.   Because all of the ramp tolls were coin-drop only, the signs should have warned that the ramps were unstaffed and exact change was required (but MDTA and its predecessor never signed that).

Quote from: cpzilliacus on August 13, 2019, 08:12:13 PM
Because all of the [JFK Highway in MD] ramp tolls were coin-drop only, the signs should have warned that the ramps were unstaffed and exact change was required (but MDTA and its predecessor never signed that).

Per Wikipedia, the MdTA was established in 1971 (halfway through Marvin Mandel's first gubernatorial term).  Was the State Roads Commission responsible for Maryland's toll facilities prior to that?

ixnay

Quote from: bzakharin on August 13, 2019, 03:45:22 PM

Quote from: Beltway on August 13, 2019, 03:25:35 PM

Quote from: bzakharin on August 13, 2019, 03:05:19 PM
Interesting, so if the Walt Whitman Bridge predates both I-95 an the Schuylkill Expressway, what was it meant to connect to on the PA side? PA 291? Wasn't he Schuylkill Expressway already being planned when the bridge was built? Why were there no provisions to connect the two?

The bridge was built 1953-57 so that would mean that it was contemporary with the Schuylkill Expressway which was built in 1949-59.

So the two would have been planned to connect as they did.

The article says

Quote
The roadway was built and designed in the 1950s as a bridge approach, before it was part of the interstate highway system. Its primary mission was to take toll-paying traffic to and from the bridge, not to help traffic originating in Pennsylvania to travel away from the bridge.

The highway’s role as an adjunct to the bridge explains why there are no exits from I-95 for traffic heading west on I-76 — but there are convenient exits on I-95 that take vehicles across the Walt Whitman Bridge.

This to me implies the bridge would connect to I-95 but not the Schuylkill Expressway. But based on how those I-95 ramps are built, it seems clear that the roadway was not supposed to end at I-95.

Looking at Historic Aerials, there's a shot from 1953 before the bridge was completed, but then there's not another aerial until 1965, when the bridge and the Schuylkill were completed, so the actual timeline there is a bit fuzzy.  It's also notable that 95 wasn't even started in 1965 and not for a while after that.  The original ramps just west the (2-way) plaza were intended to serve Front Street, and was eventually modified to serve 95 when 95 was built.  It doesn't appear there was much in the way of any allowances for 95.

The Schuylkill Expressway was basically a surface street originally before they created a highway.  It does appear the Walt Whitman Expressway was shoehorned in between railroad tracks as it "S" curves near Oregon and 26th Streets.

Quote from: ixnay on August 13, 2019, 09:19:17 PM

Quote from: cpzilliacus on August 13, 2019, 08:12:13 PM
Because all of the [JFK Highway in MD] ramp tolls were coin-drop only, the signs should have warned that the ramps were unstaffed and exact change was required (but MDTA and its predecessor never signed that).

Per Wikipedia, the MdTA was established in 1971 (halfway through Marvin Mandel's first gubernatorial term).  Was the State Roads Commission responsible for Maryland's toll facilities prior to that?

ixnay

Control of Maryland's state toll roads and toll crossings went from State Roads Commission (when MDOT was formed) to a short-lived agency called the Maryland Toll Facilities Administration to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).   I believe that Toll Facilities Administration was legally part of the new Maryland Department of Transportation, while MDTA has always been an independent agency, though the MDTA Board has by law always been chaired by the Secretary of Transportation.

What is now the MDTA Police had the name Maryland Toll Facilities Police for many years after MDTA was formed, the name was only changed to the MDTA Police in the 1990's.

For the Easton, PA-Phillipsburg, NJ Delaware River bridges the newest is I-78 Delaware River Bridge which opened on November 21, 1989, followed by US-22 Easton Phillipsburg Bridge January 14, 1938, and the Oldest being 1895 Northampton St bridge which replaced a wooden bridge from 1806.
weblinks to the date of opening
of these Easton, PA-Phillipsburg, NJ Delaware River crossings are https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/2009/11/interstate_78_toll_bridge_over.html (https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/2009/11/interstate_78_toll_bridge_over.html) and https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2016/05/a_century_of_eastons_bridges_p.html (https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2016/05/a_century_of_eastons_bridges_p.html)

DRPA Bridges (Walt Whitman, Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross & Commodore Barry) from NJ to PA will restart collecting cash tolls on May 11.

Quote from: ixnay on August 13, 2019, 09:19:17 PM

Quote from: cpzilliacus on August 13, 2019, 08:12:13 PM
Because all of the [JFK Highway in MD] ramp tolls were coin-drop only, the signs should have warned that the ramps were unstaffed and exact change was required (but MDTA and its predecessor never signed that).

Per Wikipedia, the MdTA was established in 1971 (halfway through Marvin Mandel's first gubernatorial term).  Was the State Roads Commission responsible for Maryland's toll facilities prior to that?

I do not think your question was ever answered.  In the 1950's, when Maryland built large toll projects like the WPL (Chesapeake Bay) Bridge and the BHT (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) their construction was funded by toll revenue bonds sold by the State Roads Commission (SRC).  Same for the 1960's Northeast Expressway part of I-95 (JFK Highway now).

In the late 1960's, when the SRC became part of the infant Maryland Department of Transportation and was renamed the State Highway Administration, the toll roads were spun off into a new agency called the Toll Facilities Administration.  The Toll Facilities Administration did not last very long, as it morphed into the independent MDTA in 1971.

Are they almost done realigning the Philly end of the Betsy Ross?

Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 10, 2020, 11:32:40 PM
Are they almost done realigning the Philly end of the Betsy Ross?

It's not a realignment, it's opening up a downtown connection straight onto the bridge, and yes they are very close.

New signage has gone up at the foot of the Walt Whitman as part of the (widening?) project being done on the bridge approach.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062498006_14224a4d08_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdDEE)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdDEE) by Eric Butler (https://www.flickr.com/photos/131212985@N03/), on Flickr

Interestingly enough, DRPA has embraced the APL:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062581612_76c88b1e7e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9) by Eric Butler (https://www.flickr.com/photos/131212985@N03/), on Flickr

They're not doing any widening here, but the signage does look nice.

It's part of an overall signage replacement project, which includes the lane signals on the bridge itself.

Looking at this thread now, I am surprised to not see an advertisement for roadwaywiz's recent webinars on the Delaware River Crossings.   ;-)

Quote from: cpzilliacus on August 13, 2019, 08:12:13 PM

Quote from: famartin on August 13, 2019, 03:51:10 PM
It sounds like it is/was a situation like I-895 in Baltimore - no exits before the tolls northbound. Southbound exits were OK because they were coming off the already tolled I-95/JFK Highway.

Not exactly. 

I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel Thruway) used to have exactly one "free" exit southbound - at Moravia Road (presently I-895 Exit 14).  After that, the next exits were after the toll barrier (and south of the tunnel) at Frankfurst Avenue (presently Exits 8A and 8B).

In more recent time, a "free" exit was added southbound at Lombard Street (present Exit 12) perhaps to improve highway access to Bayview Hospital (a "free" entrance ramp from Lombard Street to I-895 northbound was added at the same time).

Also, the southern part of the JFK Highway (roughly present-day Exit 62 (I-895) to Exit 67 (MD-43)) was never tolled, even though it has long been maintained by the MDTA (I can remember when this short section of freeway was maintained by MDOT/SHA).   When the JFK Highway had tolls on the ramps (discontinued about 1982 or 1983 in Maryland), there were several warning signs northbound approaching Exit 67 (exit numbers were different then) that the road was a toll road beyond MD-43.   Because all of the ramp tolls were coin-drop only, the signs should have warned that the ramps were unstaffed and exact change was required (but MDTA and its predecessor never signed that).

That's because in the 60s and 70s most people carried coins in their cars ash trays or someplace in it for snacks and such. No one even heard of a debit card to replace cash then, and most people always carried cash in coin form especially for the pay phones as cellular phones were for the rich mounted on car dashboards then.

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 08:43:02 AM
New signage has gone up at the foot of the Walt Whitman as part of the (widening?) project being done on the bridge approach.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062498006_14224a4d08_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdDEE)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kNdDEE) by Eric Butler (https://www.flickr.com/photos/131212985@N03/), on Flickr

Interestingly enough, DRPA has embraced the APL:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062581612_76c88b1e7e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9) by Eric Butler (https://www.flickr.com/photos/131212985@N03/), on Flickr

Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

I also like the approach of putting the road name next to the route shield. I wish PennDOT did this more often, i.e. at all.

Also, who's going to be the one to tell them that Trenton isn't the northbound control city for I-95 anymore?

Why is Seventh spelled out?

What I find interesting is they reverted back to "Trenton" instead of using "New York" (maybe DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT)

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 22, 2021, 01:54:45 PM

Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

The Commodore Barry Bridge on the PA where they built the ramps to the soccer stadium. I believe that's their only dabbling in Clearview.

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:10:22 PM
What I find interesting is they reverted back to "Trenton" instead of using "New York" (maybe DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT)

I'm guessing they figured if you're coming from that way, you're highly unlikely trying to go to NY. I'd actually consider using Yardley for that sign.

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 02:17:53 PM

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 22, 2021, 01:54:45 PM

Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

The Commodore Barry Bridge on the PA where they built the ramps to the soccer stadium. I believe that's their only dabbling in Clearview.

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:10:22 PM
What I find interesting is they reverted back to "Trenton" instead of using "New York" (maybe DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT)

I'm guessing they figured if you're coming from that way, you're highly unlikely trying to go to NY. I'd actually consider using Yardley for that sign.

Perhaps, but there are other places you could make that argument (the Betsy Ross Bridge, for example) where they changed them to "New York" anyway (which, I suppose, suggests DRPA did get the memo? Or is the entirety of the interchange at the Betsy Ross Bridge under PennDOT jurisdiction?)

FWIW, the signs at the Walt Whitman are just exact duplicates of the old ones as far as the wording:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9101175,-75.1560548,3a,75y,285.77h,88.66t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqrZsB_9JuokUEsOtolx6Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9103997,-75.1574078,3a,75y,285.77h,88.66t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shzlR9cgZYpunIaFBThNRRw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:27:21 PM

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 02:17:53 PM

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 22, 2021, 01:54:45 PM

Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

The Commodore Barry Bridge on the PA where they built the ramps to the soccer stadium. I believe that's their only dabbling in Clearview.

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:10:22 PM
What I find interesting is they reverted back to "Trenton" instead of using "New York" (maybe DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT)

I'm guessing they figured if you're coming from that way, you're highly unlikely trying to go to NY. I'd actually consider using Yardley for that sign.

Perhaps, but there are other places you could make that argument (the Betsy Ross Bridge, for example) where they changed them to "New York" anyway (which, I suppose, suggests DRPA did get the memo? Or is the entirety of the interchange at the Betsy Ross Bridge under PennDOT jurisdiction?)

Here's the Betsy Ross Bridge signage, which arguably makes even less sense.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

With the exits for 95 being the first thing you come to after crossing the bridges, it presents relatively unique situation where the normal control cities don't make much sense, as it would be much more direct to stay in Jersey to go North to Trenton/NYC.  In my years of commuting to Trenton, I've only crossed a bridge maybe 2 or 3 times going straight to Trenton, and maybe 10 times total to go someplace in PA first before continuing North. 

Honestly, the best control city would probably be Bensalem or something along those lines for 95 North from the Walt or Betsy Ross. 

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 02:17:53 PM

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 22, 2021, 01:54:45 PM
Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

The Commodore Barry Bridge on the PA where they built the ramps to the soccer stadium. I believe that's their only dabbling in Clearview.

The signs for those ramps look to be more PennDOT spec than DRPA.  Such would make sense given that those signs are of the same vintage as the related signage along I-95. 

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 22, 2021, 04:02:17 PM
With the exits for 95 being the first thing you come to after crossing the bridges, it presents relatively unique situation where the normal control cities don't make much sense, as it would be much more direct to stay in Jersey to go North to Trenton/NYC.  In my years of commuting to Trenton, I've only crossed a bridge maybe 2 or 3 times going straight to Trenton, and maybe 10 times total to go someplace in PA first before continuing North. 

Honestly, the best control city would probably be Bensalem or something along those lines for 95 North from the Walt or Betsy Ross. 

With regards to the westbound signage just after the Walt Whitman Bridge toll plaza; maybe the DRPA should've taken a cue from the 2000-2001 vintage signs along I-95 northbound near the airport for through-traffic & the Platt Bridge (PA 291) and sign I-76 westbound for Valley Forge (or even a University City/Valley Forge pairing) & use Central Phila. (if Central Philadelphia causes signboard width issues) for I-95 northbound.   FWIW, the 90s-vintage PennDOT ramp signage for I-95 northbound just below the bridge at Front St. use Central Phila.

For westbound traffic coming off the Ben Franklin Bridge (I-676/US 30); one could use Northeast Philadelphia for I-95 northbound.  Most of the neighboring ramp signage along Columbus Blvd. already use such.

The original DRPA city-pair listing for I-95 northbound from the Betsy Ross Bridge was Bristol/Trenton.  IMHO, such should've remained regardless of the I-95 reroute further north.  Maybe using just Bristol or a Trenton/New York pairing would've been other logical options here.

The bottom line here is, just like signage in North Jersey when one gets close to the Metropolitan NYC area, that just blindly following MUTCD for control city listing in certain metro scenarios without applying logic & common sense is not sound practice IMHO.

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 08:43:02 AM

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062581612_76c88b1e7e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9)
Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9) by Eric Butler (https://www.flickr.com/photos/131212985@N03/), on Flickr

The fore-mentioned control city issues (personally, I have no issue with still using Trenton for I-95 northbound at this location) along with general APL issues in general aside, my only gripe with the new signs is the smallish numerals for both the I-76 & I-95 shields.   In all fairness, the DPRA isn't the only offender of such here; but the larger numerals from the old signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9103997,-75.1574078,3a,75y,285.77h,88.66t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shzlR9cgZYpunIaFBThNRRw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) were much more readable at a distance.

Sign 95 for North-East Philadelphia!

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 22, 2021, 08:14:13 PM

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 02:17:53 PM

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 22, 2021, 01:54:45 PM
Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

The Commodore Barry Bridge on the PA where they built the ramps to the soccer stadium. I believe that's their only dabbling in Clearview.

The signs for those ramps look to be more PennDOT spec than DRPA.  Such would make sense given that those signs are of the same vintage as the related signage along I-95. 

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 22, 2021, 04:02:17 PM
With the exits for 95 being the first thing you come to after crossing the bridges, it presents relatively unique situation where the normal control cities don't make much sense, as it would be much more direct to stay in Jersey to go North to Trenton/NYC.  In my years of commuting to Trenton, I've only crossed a bridge maybe 2 or 3 times going straight to Trenton, and maybe 10 times total to go someplace in PA first before continuing North. 

Honestly, the best control city would probably be Bensalem or something along those lines for 95 North from the Walt or Betsy Ross. 

With regards to the westbound signage just after the Walt Whitman Bridge toll plaza; maybe the DRPA should've taken a cue from the 2000-2001 vintage signs along I-95 northbound near the airport for through-traffic & the Platt Bridge (PA 291) and sign I-76 westbound for Valley Forge (or even a University City/Valley Forge pairing) & use Central Phila. (if Central Philadelphia causes signboard width issues) for I-95 northbound.   FWIW, the 90s-vintage PennDOT ramp signage for I-95 northbound just below the bridge at Front St. use Central Phila.

For westbound traffic coming off the Ben Franklin Bridge (I-676/US 30); one could use Northeast Philadelphia for I-95 northbound.  Most of the neighboring ramp signage along Columbus Blvd. already use such.

The original DRPA city-pair listing for I-95 northbound from the Betsy Ross Bridge was Bristol/Trenton.  IMHO, such should've remained regardless of the I-95 reroute further north.  Maybe using just Bristol or a Trenton/New York pairing would've been other logical options here.

The bottom line here is, just like signage in North Jersey when one gets close to the Metropolitan NYC area, that just blindly following MUTCD for control city listing in certain metro scenarios without applying logic & common sense is not sound practice IMHO.

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 08:43:02 AM

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51062581612_76c88b1e7e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9)
Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kNe5w9) by Eric Butler (https://www.flickr.com/photos/131212985@N03/), on Flickr

The fore-mentioned control city issues (personally, I have no issue with still using Trenton for I-95 northbound at this location) along with general APL issues in general aside, my only gripe with the new signs is the smallish numerals for both the I-76 & I-95 shields.   In all fairness, the DPRA isn't the only offender of such here; but the larger numerals from the old signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9103997,-75.1574078,3a,75y,285.77h,88.66t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shzlR9cgZYpunIaFBThNRRw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) were much more readable at a distance.

I don't necessarily think using Trenton at I-76 is bad, but it is inconsistent, since the Ben Franklin Bridge/I-676 now signs "New York" instead of Trenton, and they are close enough such that they same northbound city should be used. Looking closer at the situation at the Betsy Ross Bridge makes me strongly suspect that DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT that they want to use New York instead of Trenton now.

As far as the smaller numbers, that seems to be "the thing" lately. Most new guide signs, whether Gothic or Clearview, are now using the smaller numbers in the Interstate shield. I'm guessing this was a relatively recent and fairly subtle change in MUTCD specifications, probably intended to avoid the numbers looking blurred with the white shield outline.

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:29:07 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:27:21 PM

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 02:17:53 PM

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 22, 2021, 01:54:45 PM

Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

The Commodore Barry Bridge on the PA where they built the ramps to the soccer stadium. I believe that's their only dabbling in Clearview.

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:10:22 PM
What I find interesting is they reverted back to "Trenton" instead of using "New York" (maybe DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT)

I'm guessing they figured if you're coming from that way, you're highly unlikely trying to go to NY. I'd actually consider using Yardley for that sign.

Perhaps, but there are other places you could make that argument (the Betsy Ross Bridge, for example) where they changed them to "New York" anyway (which, I suppose, suggests DRPA did get the memo? Or is the entirety of the interchange at the Betsy Ross Bridge under PennDOT jurisdiction?)

Here's the Betsy Ross Bridge signage, which arguably makes even less sense.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I am assuming the covered sign will read Aramingo St.

Quote from: RobbieL2415 on March 22, 2021, 10:15:55 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:29:07 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:27:21 PM

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 22, 2021, 02:17:53 PM

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 22, 2021, 01:54:45 PM

Good looking DRPA signage? What is this world coming to‽ They're Highway Gothic, too, which is nice. Has the DRPA ever actually used Clearview?

The Commodore Barry Bridge on the PA where they built the ramps to the soccer stadium. I believe that's their only dabbling in Clearview.

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 02:10:22 PM
What I find interesting is they reverted back to "Trenton" instead of using "New York" (maybe DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT)

I'm guessing they figured if you're coming from that way, you're highly unlikely trying to go to NY. I'd actually consider using Yardley for that sign.

Perhaps, but there are other places you could make that argument (the Betsy Ross Bridge, for example) where they changed them to "New York" anyway (which, I suppose, suggests DRPA did get the memo? Or is the entirety of the interchange at the Betsy Ross Bridge under PennDOT jurisdiction?)

Here's the Betsy Ross Bridge signage, which arguably makes even less sense.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

I am assuming the covered sign will read Aramingo St.

If it doesn't say Aramimgo Ave. several here will have a fit.

Was just looking at the ramps in this area (iPad GE), and on certain zoom levels, there is an amusing collection of old and new image squares...

Quote from: famartin on March 22, 2021, 10:00:49 PM
I don't necessarily think using Trenton at I-76 is bad, but it is inconsistent, since the Ben Franklin Bridge/I-676 now signs "New York" instead of Trenton, and they are close enough such that they same northbound city should be used. Looking closer at the situation at the Betsy Ross Bridge makes me strongly suspect that DRPA didn't get the memo from PennDOT that they want to use New York instead of Trenton now.

IMHO, the use of Trenton on northbound I-95 signage in this region is still appropriate even though the route number itself no longer approaches the Trenton area.  Such is still the easiest way to get to Trenton (I-95 North to I-295 to US 1 North) from Philadelphia.

While changing the eastbound I-676 signage for I-95 from Trenton to New York is understandable, though not necessary IMHO; the westbound I-676 signs from the bridge for such could've still kept Trenton and the big panels approaching & at the northbound I-95 ramp could been modified/replaced with ones that feature Trenton/New York combos.

Again, for the Betsy Ross Bridge signs, the use of Trenton at this location is would still, IMHO, be appropriate.  I equate this listing oddity to the recent change from Camden to Philadelphia for the southbound Garden State Parkway signs for Exit 129 (I-95/NJ Turnpike) but the southbound ramp sign beyond the toll plaza still lists Trenton... per the northbound Exit 129 signs.

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 23, 2021, 11:38:07 AM
Again, for the Betsy Ross Bridge signs, the use of Trenton at this location is still appropriate.  I equate this listing oddity to the recent change from Camden to Philadelphia for the southbound Garden State Parkway signs for Exit 129 (I-95/NJ Turnpike) but the southbound ramp sign beyond the toll plaza still lists Trenton... per the northbound Exit 129 signs.

Then you'll have to take that up with PennDOT, since it says "New York"  at the Betsy Ross Bridge now.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Quote from: famartin on March 23, 2021, 12:36:33 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 23, 2021, 11:38:07 AM
Again, for the Betsy Ross Bridge signs, the use of Trenton at this location is still appropriate.  I equate this listing oddity to the recent change from Camden to Philadelphia for the southbound Garden State Parkway signs for Exit 129 (I-95/NJ Turnpike) but the southbound ramp sign beyond the toll plaza still lists Trenton... per the northbound Exit 129 signs.

Then you'll have to take that up with PennDOT, since it says "New York"  at the Betsy Ross Bridge now.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

New York was made the primary control city for I-95 heading north from Philly as a part of its realignment/completion onto the PA Turnpike.

Quote from: 74/171FAN on March 23, 2021, 01:25:28 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 23, 2021, 12:36:33 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 23, 2021, 11:38:07 AM
Again, for the Betsy Ross Bridge signs, the use of Trenton at this location is still appropriate.  I equate this listing oddity to the recent change from Camden to Philadelphia for the southbound Garden State Parkway signs for Exit 129 (I-95/NJ Turnpike) but the southbound ramp sign beyond the toll plaza still lists Trenton... per the northbound Exit 129 signs.

Then you'll have to take that up with PennDOT, since it says "New York"  at the Betsy Ross Bridge now.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

New York was made the primary control city for I-95 heading north from Philly as a part of its realignment/completion onto the PA Turnpike.

That's what the conversation has been about - why the DRPA changed it at the Betsy Ross, yet decided to use Trenton at the Walt Whitman Bridge.

Quote from: famartin on March 23, 2021, 12:36:33 PM

I've since corrected my earlier post.  I misinterpreted your earlier comment regarding the Betsy Ross Bridge signage.  My apologies & bad.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2021, 01:49:56 PM
That's what the conversation has been about - why the DRPA changed it at the Betsy Ross, yet decided to use Trenton at the Walt Whitman Bridge.

I have to wonder in that particular case such was changed because of all the other surrounding signage were changed at the same time.  Whereas the replacement signs along the Walt Whitman Expressway portion of I-76 were/are a completely separate project/contract with little or no input from PennDOT.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2021, 01:49:56 PM

Quote from: 74/171FAN on March 23, 2021, 01:25:28 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 23, 2021, 12:36:33 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 23, 2021, 11:38:07 AM
Again, for the Betsy Ross Bridge signs, the use of Trenton at this location is still appropriate.  I equate this listing oddity to the recent change from Camden to Philadelphia for the southbound Garden State Parkway signs for Exit 129 (I-95/NJ Turnpike) but the southbound ramp sign beyond the toll plaza still lists Trenton... per the northbound Exit 129 signs.

Then you'll have to take that up with PennDOT, since it says "New York"  at the Betsy Ross Bridge now.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

New York was made the primary control city for I-95 heading north from Philly as a part of its realignment/completion onto the PA Turnpike.

That's what the conversation has been about - why the DRPA changed it at the Betsy Ross, yet decided to use Trenton at the Walt Whitman Bridge.

It's because the DRPA didn't change it. The new signs on the Betsy Ross Bridge were put up as part of PennDOT's 95revive project.

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 23, 2021, 06:09:12 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2021, 01:49:56 PM

Quote from: 74/171FAN on March 23, 2021, 01:25:28 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 23, 2021, 12:36:33 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 23, 2021, 11:38:07 AM
Again, for the Betsy Ross Bridge signs, the use of Trenton at this location is still appropriate.  I equate this listing oddity to the recent change from Camden to Philadelphia for the southbound Garden State Parkway signs for Exit 129 (I-95/NJ Turnpike) but the southbound ramp sign beyond the toll plaza still lists Trenton... per the northbound Exit 129 signs.

Then you'll have to take that up with PennDOT, since it says "New York"  at the Betsy Ross Bridge now.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

New York was made the primary control city for I-95 heading north from Philly as a part of its realignment/completion onto the PA Turnpike.

That's what the conversation has been about - why the DRPA changed it at the Betsy Ross, yet decided to use Trenton at the Walt Whitman Bridge.

It's because the DRPA didn't change it. The new signs on the Betsy Ross Bridge were put up as part of PennDOT's 95revive project.

That explains why those signs were Clearview, but the ones at the WWB were FHWA Gothic.

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 23, 2021, 06:02:20 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 23, 2021, 12:36:33 PM

I've since corrected my earlier post.  I misinterpreted your earlier comment regarding the Betsy Ross Bridge signage.  My apologies & bad.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2021, 01:49:56 PM
That's what the conversation has been about - why the DRPA changed it at the Betsy Ross, yet decided to use Trenton at the Walt Whitman Bridge.

I have to wonder in that particular case such was changed because of all the other surrounding signage were changed at the same time.  Whereas the replacement signs along the Walt Whitman Expressway portion of I-76 were/are a completely separate project/contract with little or no input from PennDOT.

Probably exactly the case.

Quote from: Roadsguy on March 23, 2021, 06:09:12 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2021, 01:49:56 PM

Quote from: 74/171FAN on March 23, 2021, 01:25:28 PM

Quote from: famartin on March 23, 2021, 12:36:33 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 23, 2021, 11:38:07 AM
Again, for the Betsy Ross Bridge signs, the use of Trenton at this location is still appropriate.  I equate this listing oddity to the recent change from Camden to Philadelphia for the southbound Garden State Parkway signs for Exit 129 (I-95/NJ Turnpike) but the southbound ramp sign beyond the toll plaza still lists Trenton... per the northbound Exit 129 signs.

Then you'll have to take that up with PennDOT, since it says "New York"  at the Betsy Ross Bridge now.
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9928051,-75.0781829,3a,75y,329.35h,84.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbBb_E5CuL5Y8YKX_1QV02Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

New York was made the primary control city for I-95 heading north from Philly as a part of its realignment/completion onto the PA Turnpike.

That's what the conversation has been about - why the DRPA changed it at the Betsy Ross, yet decided to use Trenton at the Walt Whitman Bridge.

It's because the DRPA didn't change it. The new signs on the Betsy Ross Bridge were put up as part of PennDOT's 95revive project.

Yeah, sorry if I didn't make it clear earlier, but after checking more closely it seemed more obvious that PennDOT controls the signs at the interchange between the BRB and 95, so changing those to "New York" was just PennDOT's doing.

On a sad note, the classic button copy signs that hung over both ramps from the Walt to 95 have fallen victim to this replacement project.

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 24, 2021, 02:06:21 PM
On a sad note, the classic button copy signs that hung over both ramps from the Walt to 95 have fallen victim to this replacement project.

Somebody took a pic of that new gantry & signs and posted it on Facebook about a week ago.  My only beef with those signs, aside from the smallish numerals, is the top line of the northbound ramp sign reading "NORTH 95" rather than "95 NORTH" per the old sign. Yes, I know such was to match older approach sign that's still there & I get that MUTCD featured that criteria for diagrammatic sign layouts & related panels for left-side movements; but such still seems off to me for conventional ramp split signage.

PennDOT actually corrected such when these newer signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0025916,-75.0784346,3a,75y,212.09h,78.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEMy5gf9wZ22Vm50wiOYlxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) were erected along I-95 southbound near the Betsy Ross Bridge.
Here's the predecessor signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0025664,-75.0784534,3a,75y,203.15h,75.47t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJQlNvqAbrXxtCizRcPgRLA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) for comparison; although I like the legend on the older sign on the right better than its replacement.

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 24, 2021, 03:41:48 PM

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 24, 2021, 02:06:21 PM
On a sad note, the classic button copy signs that hung over both ramps from the Walt to 95 have fallen victim to this replacement project.

Somebody took a pic of that new gantry & signs and posted it on Facebook about a week ago.  My only beef with those signs, aside from the smallish numerals, is the top line of the northbound ramp sign reading "NORTH 95" rather than "95 NORTH" per the old sign. Yes, I know such was to match older approach sign that's still there & I get that MUTCD featured that criteria for diagrammatic sign layouts & related panels for left-side movements; but such still seems off to me for conventional ramp split signage.

PennDOT actually corrected such when these newer signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0025916,-75.0784346,3a,75y,212.09h,78.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEMy5gf9wZ22Vm50wiOYlxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) were erected along I-95 southbound near the Betsy Ross Bridge.
Here's the predecessor signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0025664,-75.0784534,3a,75y,203.15h,75.47t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJQlNvqAbrXxtCizRcPgRLA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) for comparison; although I like the legend on the older sign on the right better than its replacement.

Older Signs used to say "Pensauken, New Jersey."

Tolls set to increase on the eight DRJTBC tolled bridges this weekend, now with separate EZ Pass and non-EZ Pass rates...

https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-joint-delaware-river-toll-bridges-hike-20210329-ys7tjptwb5cjhgjhygqutavyoi-story.html

Quote from: roadman65 on March 27, 2021, 12:49:45 AM

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 24, 2021, 03:41:48 PM

Quote from: ekt8750 on March 24, 2021, 02:06:21 PM
On a sad note, the classic button copy signs that hung over both ramps from the Walt to 95 have fallen victim to this replacement project.

Somebody took a pic of that new gantry & signs and posted it on Facebook about a week ago.  My only beef with those signs, aside from the smallish numerals, is the top line of the northbound ramp sign reading "NORTH 95" rather than "95 NORTH" per the old sign. Yes, I know such was to match older approach sign that's still there & I get that MUTCD featured that criteria for diagrammatic sign layouts & related panels for left-side movements; but such still seems off to me for conventional ramp split signage.

PennDOT actually corrected such when these newer signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0025916,-75.0784346,3a,75y,212.09h,78.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEMy5gf9wZ22Vm50wiOYlxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) were erected along I-95 southbound near the Betsy Ross Bridge.
Here's the predecessor signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0025664,-75.0784534,3a,75y,203.15h,75.47t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJQlNvqAbrXxtCizRcPgRLA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) for comparison; although I like the legend on the older sign on the right better than its replacement.

Older Signs used to say "Pensauken, New Jersey."

Those were the original interchange signs that you speak of.  The approach signs simply read:
    Betsy Ross Bridge
Pennsauken, New Jersey

The signs at the actual ramps, at the splits between such & the then-stub ramps for the Tacony Expressway, simply read:
Betsy Ross Bridge
    Pennsauken

Quote from: Crown Victoria on March 29, 2021, 12:15:45 PM
Tolls set to increase on the eight DRJTBC tolled bridges this weekend, now with separate EZ Pass and non-EZ Pass rates...

https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-joint-delaware-river-toll-bridges-hike-20210329-ys7tjptwb5cjhgjhygqutavyoi-story.html

Directly from the DRJTBC (http://www.drjtbc.org/2021/03/system-wide-toll-adjustments-approved-for-2021-2024-2021-rate-increase-to-begin-april-11/)

That will create backups onto US 1 in Trenton, as the ramp to access the free bridge is quite short.

Quote from: MASTERNC on March 29, 2021, 09:05:54 PM
That will create backups onto US 1 in Trenton, as the ramp to access the free bridge is quite short.

Few enough people use it as it is that I disagree.

Quote from: Alps on March 29, 2021, 09:27:37 PM

Quote from: MASTERNC on March 29, 2021, 09:05:54 PM
That will create backups onto US 1 in Trenton, as the ramp to access the free bridge is quite short.

Few enough people use it as it is that I disagree.

I pass by that ramp to Warren St. every night on my way home.  Even in this reduced traffic environment, significant traffic exits there to avoid the toll.  (Before then, it was not unusual to see backups onto the highway because of the short decel lane length and nearby Center St. overpass.)  I don't think the exiting volume will go that much higher, though.

I wonder if this will spur more people onto the New Hope-Lambertsville bridge / PA/NJ 179 instead of taking US 202 into PA. Some days there's a pretty slow crawl due to the light at PA 32 in New Hope + pedestrian traffic.

Quote from: akotchi on March 29, 2021, 09:49:03 PM

Quote from: Alps on March 29, 2021, 09:27:37 PM

Quote from: MASTERNC on March 29, 2021, 09:05:54 PM
That will create backups onto US 1 in Trenton, as the ramp to access the free bridge is quite short.

Few enough people use it as it is that I disagree.

I pass by that ramp to Warren St. every night on my way home.  Even in this reduced traffic environment, significant traffic exits there to avoid the toll.  (Before then, it was not unusual to see backups onto the highway because of the short decel lane length and nearby Center St. overpass.)  I don't think the exiting volume will go that much higher, though.

There was a toll hike that resulted in a massive exodus off of US 1 at Market Street; so much so that I think they even rolled back the toll hike a bit.  Originally I thought this was in 2011, but the hike was only 75 cents to $1.00, so now I'm thinking this may have actually happened in 2003 when the toll was hiked from 50 cents to 75 cents.  I think the toll hike may have even originally been 50 cents to $1.00, then rolled back to 75 cents.  My memory is a bit hazy from 18 years ago, and the internet is very hazy from that time period, but I do remember quite an issue resulting from the toll hike and heavy delays due to a heavy dose of shunpiking with the easily accessible free bridge nearby.

Looking at their 2019 Financials ( http://www.drjtbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-DRJTBC-AUDIT.pdf , Pages 71 & 73)(2020 isn't published yet), only about 69% of their car transactions at the US 1 toll plaza were EZ Pass.  Frankly, that seems a bit low for the general area.  There was 2,706,454 $1 car transactions, or about 7,660 vehicles per day, that paid with cash.  If just a small fraction of that amount decides to escape US 1 via Market Street in Trenton, that can cause quite a delay at that interchange.

Obviously, the DRJTBC is hoping people are just going to get EZ Pass and stay on their tolled bridges, rather than sit in congestion finding another way to avoid the $3 cash toll.  Hopefully they have a good idea how many they project are willing to finally make that switch.

I was looking at NJ 413 and the Burlington-Bristol Bridge on GSV a few days ago.  At the tollbooth, I get the purpose of the Reed St separate lane, but where is there a crossover after the tollbooth?  Even in some GSV images there's a cop sitting there, but otherwise, how do they enforce the toll and prevent people from taking Reed St, then cutting back onto the bridge?  What is the history here?

https://bucksco.today/2023/12/delaware-river-joint-toll-bridges/

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to Shift to Cashless Tolling

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is planning to transition its network of toll bridges to all-electronic cashless toll collection by early 2025, according to a staff report from Levittown Now.

The commission will start implementing a phased-in "soft conversion" at its seven E-ZPass/cash tolling points to Toll By Plate in January. This new system captures a vehicle's license plate to bill the vehicle owner.

The car toll will remain at $3. Meanwhile, E-ZPass users will pay half that in 2024.

So far, the only bridge that uses a cashless system is the Scudder Falls Toll Bridge in Lower Makefield Township. The seven older bridges currently accept either E-ZPass or cash.

The New Hope-Lambertville Toll Bridge in Solebury Township is the first on the list to offer Toll By Plate as a third payment option. This will become available on January 17.

After the cashless system becomes available at all bridges, a "hard conversion phase" will commence. This phase will include the removal of barrier toll plazas as well as the construction of highway-speed all-electronic tolling gantries.

Read more about the planned changes for the Delaware River toll bridges in Levittown Now (down below).

https://levittownnow.com/2023/12/18/nearby-delaware-river-joint-toll-bridge-commission-to-transition-to-cashless-tolling/

NEARBY: Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission To Transition To Cashless Tolling

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced its plan to shift its network of toll bridges to cashless all-electronic toll collections by January 2025.

The move follows a trend in electronic toll collections usage on the commission's spans, which accounts for 89 percent of the commission's transactions.

Starting next month, the commission will introduce a phased-in "soft conversion" to Toll By Plate at its seven E-ZPass/cash tolling points.

The system captures a vehicle's license plate for billing purposes.

The Toll By Plate car toll will be $3, equal to the current cash rate. In comparison, E-ZPass users will pay $1.50 in 2024.

The only bridge currently employing a cashless system is the Scudder Falls (I-295) Toll Bridge in Lower Makefield Township. The other seven older bridges accept either E-ZPass or cash.

The New Hope-Lambertville (Route 202) Toll Bridge in Solebury Township will be the first to offer Toll By Plate as a third payment option starting January 17.

The Solebury Township bridge that connects to Hunterdon County, New Jersey will serve as a testing site before expanding the option to six other toll bridges on January 24, including the Trenton-Morrisville (Route 1) Toll Bridge.

In June 2024, three of the commission's lowest-volume toll bridges—New Hope-Lambertville, Portland-Columbia, and Milford-Montague—will stop cash collections, exclusively handling E-ZPass and Toll By Plate transactions.

A firm date for this conversion will be announced in spring.

The full switch for the Trenton-Morrisville Toll Bridge and others is scheduled for January 2025.

The switch will be followed by a "hard conversion phase," which involves removing barrier toll plazas and constructing highway-speed all-electronic tolling gantries.

The first bridge to receive a cashless gantry will be the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge in 2025.

The commission said in a statement they plan to complete this process at all older bridges by 2032.

This transition matches similar actions by other tolling agencies, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, to eliminate cash collections.

The commission currently employs 370 staff, down from 400 in 2019, and ceased hiring full-time toll collectors in early 2020.

For setting up an E-ZPass account, customers are directed to visit the New Jersey E-ZPass Customer Service Center at www.ezpassnj.com.

Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on December 24, 2023, 09:45:42 PM
https://bucksco.today/2023/12/delaware-river-joint-toll-bridges/

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to Shift to Cashless Tolling

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is planning to transition its network of toll bridges to all-electronic cashless toll collection by early 2025, according to a staff report from Levittown Now.

The commission will start implementing a phased-in "soft conversion" at its seven E-ZPass/cash tolling points to Toll By Plate in January. This new system captures a vehicle's license plate to bill the vehicle owner.

The car toll will remain at $3. Meanwhile, E-ZPass users will pay half that in 2024.

So far, the only bridge that uses a cashless system is the Scudder Falls Toll Bridge in Lower Makefield Township. The seven older bridges currently accept either E-ZPass or cash.

The New Hope-Lambertville Toll Bridge in Solebury Township is the first on the list to offer Toll By Plate as a third payment option. This will become available on January 17.

After the cashless system becomes available at all bridges, a "hard conversion phase" will commence. This phase will include the removal of barrier toll plazas as well as the construction of highway-speed all-electronic tolling gantries.

Read more about the planned changes for the Delaware River toll bridges in Levittown Now (down below).

https://levittownnow.com/2023/12/18/nearby-delaware-river-joint-toll-bridge-commission-to-transition-to-cashless-tolling/

NEARBY: Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission To Transition To Cashless Tolling

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced its plan to shift its network of toll bridges to cashless all-electronic toll collections by January 2025.

The move follows a trend in electronic toll collections usage on the commission's spans, which accounts for 89 percent of the commission's transactions.

Starting next month, the commission will introduce a phased-in "soft conversion" to Toll By Plate at its seven E-ZPass/cash tolling points.

The system captures a vehicle's license plate for billing purposes.

The Toll By Plate car toll will be $3, equal to the current cash rate. In comparison, E-ZPass users will pay $1.50 in 2024.

The only bridge currently employing a cashless system is the Scudder Falls (I-295) Toll Bridge in Lower Makefield Township. The other seven older bridges accept either E-ZPass or cash.

The New Hope-Lambertville (Route 202) Toll Bridge in Solebury Township will be the first to offer Toll By Plate as a third payment option starting January 17.

The Solebury Township bridge that connects to Hunterdon County, New Jersey will serve as a testing site before expanding the option to six other toll bridges on January 24, including the Trenton-Morrisville (Route 1) Toll Bridge.

In June 2024, three of the commission's lowest-volume toll bridges—New Hope-Lambertville, Portland-Columbia, and Milford-Montague—will stop cash collections, exclusively handling E-ZPass and Toll By Plate transactions.

A firm date for this conversion will be announced in spring.

The full switch for the Trenton-Morrisville Toll Bridge and others is scheduled for January 2025.

The switch will be followed by a "hard conversion phase," which involves removing barrier toll plazas and constructing highway-speed all-electronic tolling gantries.

The first bridge to receive a cashless gantry will be the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge in 2025.

The commission said in a statement they plan to complete this process at all older bridges by 2032.

This transition matches similar actions by other tolling agencies, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, to eliminate cash collections.

The commission currently employs 370 staff, down from 400 in 2019, and ceased hiring full-time toll collectors in early 2020.

For setting up an E-ZPass account, customers are directed to visit the New Jersey E-ZPass Customer Service Center at www.ezpassnj.com.

How about the Busy crossings like US-22 Pburg Easton I-78 Exit 75 I-80 Del Water Gap when will these go gantry only? If your E-Z pass tag is not working the System takes a picture of your plate yet charges the E-Z Pass rate. Knew this from the Bayonne Bridge and NJ Turnpike tolls using a 2012 Transponder

Quote from: Interstatefan78 on January 24, 2024, 12:56:50 PM

How about the Busy crossings like US-22 Pburg Easton I-78 Exit 75 I-80 Del Water Gap when will these go gantry only? If your E-Z pass tag is not working the System takes a picture of your plate yet charges the E-Z Pass rate. Knew this from the Bayonne Bridge and NJ Turnpike tolls using a 2012 Transponder

They don't have a schedule set for when each toll bridge will receive a highway-speed all-electronic tolling gantry, but the first one will be the New Hope-Lambertville (Route 202) Toll Bridge (set to go live in 2025).

From the DRBJC: "After a roughly five-month introduction of system-wide TOLL BY PLATE billing, the Commission's toll-collection conversion process will advance to a second phase called "AET in-place." This is expected to occur in June 2024, when the agency's three lowest-volume toll bridges – New Hope-Lambertville, Portland-Columbia, and Milford-Montague – are to cease cash collections and handle solely all-electronic E-ZPass and TOLL BY PLATE transactions. A firm date for this conversion is to be announced in the spring."

"Cashless AET collections are projected to be implemented in January 2025 at the Commission's four remaining higher-volume toll bridges: Trenton-Morrisville, I-78, Easton-Phillipsburg, and Delaware Water Gap. A firm date for this conversion won't be determined until late 2024."
- https://www.drjtbc.org/2024/01/reminder-toll-by-plate-payment-option-expands-tomorrow-to-drjtbcs-six-remaining-e-zpass-cash-tolling-points/