The Details

Delaware Memorial Bridge is a two-span suspension structure that spans the river of the same name. It connects New Jersey and Delaware and is a complete U.S. highway (interstate highway) that is located on the bridge. The design was done by Othmar Amman. The construction of the bridges was dedicated by state governors to all Delaware and New Jersey residents who lost their lives in one of the wars.

Characteristics and history of the bridge

This structure is the largest crossing of the river, and it is also located in the southernmost part of the river. Another advantage is the fact that the road acts as the only interstate connection. The total length in a westerly direction is nearly 10,800 feet. The maximum width is nearly 60 feet.

In the late summer of 1951, the first span was launched, but the peak of popularity came with the completion of construction work that connected the north side of the bridge to the main highway in New Jersey. As early as 1955, traffic was about 8 million vehicles a year, with an expected figure of only 4 million cars. In 1969, an accident with an oil tanker damaged the wing, but the bridge abutments and baffle system were not damaged.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority did not begin the renovation project until 2003. The plan was not only to completely renovate the pavement elements, but also to replace some of the expansion joints, make changes to the electrical systems, and replace the elevator portion of the towers. Repair works took 5 years. In 2022 an innovative concrete mortar was applied to the surface of the span movement.

Delaware bridge tolls

In 2018, traffic has increased to a record 80,000 vehicles per day. All eight lanes of the road have been toll roads since 1992. Starting in 2019, each car owner must pay $4.75 when paying through the E-ZPass system or $5 cash (for New Jersey or Delaware-issued transponders). The fare is fixed and does not depend on the time of day, traffic congestion, or other factors.

The discounts apply only to motorists who frequent the Delaware Bridge. Each day the tolls total about $300,000. Previously, a coupon and token system was used, but now all entrances are equipped with an electronic payment system for the convenience of drivers.