The Details
Commodore Barry Bridge is a cantilever bridge spanning the Delaware River from Chester, Pennsylvania to Bridgeport in Logan, New Jersey. It is worth noting that the bridge is named after the famous historical figure John Barry, who took part in the American Revolutionary War.
The bridge is designated as an optional part of Route 322 and has direct connections to PA Route 291, U.S. Route 13, Interstate 95, US Route 130, as well as Interstate 295, and New Jersey Turnpike.
The Commodore Barry Bridge is one of four toll bridges that connect Philadelphia with New Jersey in the south. The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) currently owns the bridge.
Construction history of the Commodore Barry Bridge
The construction of the Commodore Barry Bridge began in 1969 and became accessible to traffic in 1974. Today, the Commodore Barry Bridge is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world and the longest in the United States. The cost of its construction was over $100 million.
The Commodore Barry Bridge replaced the ferry service. Until the completion of the Commodore Barry Bridge, this was the only way to cross the Delaware River through Delaware County, Pennsylvania, to Gloucester County, New Jersey.
The original design of the Commodore Barry Bridge was to connect the later canceled New Jersey Freeway and Interstate 95 near Chester and the Atlantic City Expressway near Hammonton. However, after a while, the plans were canceled.
The Commodore Barry Bridge specifications
The total length with all entries and exits is more than 4.2 thousand kilometers. The width of the passage is 23.4 meters, the longest span is 501 meters long, and the clearance is 58.5 meters. The road has five lanes separated by a lightning barrier.
To expand the capacity of the Commodore Barry Bridge, the management company built additional ramps to ensure the smooth entry and exit of heavy trucks. Also, the bridge is regularly updated, and problem areas are reconstructed and reinforced with concrete blocks.