PA-NJ-DE Delaware River Crossings

[jeffandnicole]

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.

[bzakharin]

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.

[ekt8750]

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.

[jeffandnicole]

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

...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...

...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...

..."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." ...

[storm2k]

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

...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...

...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...

..."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.

[BrianP]

Delaware Memorial Bridge toll could rise $1 on March 1

The 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

[theroadwayone]

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

[RobbieL2415]

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?

[jeffandnicole]

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.

[SteveG1988]

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.

[cpzilliacus]

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.

[Beltway]

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.

[Alps]

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.

[PHLBOS]

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.

[bzakharin]

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)

[PHLBOS]

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.

[jeffandnicole]

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/

[roadman]

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.

[jeffandnicole]

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!

[SteveG1988]

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.

[jeffandnicole]

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. 

[SteveG1988]

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.

[davewiecking]

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/

[jeffandnicole]

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. 

[bzakharin]

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?