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Released: 10/8/2025 

INSIDE DRPA & PATCO: Maintaining a Century-Old Icon, One Lane at a Time

Overnight paving repairs and resurfacing work keep the Ben Franklin Bridge in top condition while preparing for a large-scale resurfacing and finger joint rehabilitation project.

Maintaining the nearly 100-year-old Ben Franklin Bridge requires continuous investment in upkeep and repair. Each year, the span carries more than 40 million vehicles, ranging from passenger cars and motorcycles to buses, tractor-trailers, and other heavy vehicles. Combined with the region’s freeze-thaw cycles, temperature swings, and seasonal precipitation, this constant load contributes to surface wear that the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) must regularly address to maintain a smooth driving experience.

Crews resurfaced approximately 120,000 square feet of roadway over the final weekends of September and into early October, addressing deteriorated pavement and ensuring a smoother, safer driving experience for motorists. Work occurred from 8:00 p.m. to early morning, with one lane open at times to maintain traffic flow. To minimize impacts, paving occurred on Friday and Saturday nights over consecutive weekends.

Crews milled the top layer of asphalt in targeted areas, applied a tack coat, then laid and compacted new asphalt before re-striping lane markings- all within a few hours to reopen lanes as quickly as possible.

A project like this requires close coordination among several DRPA departments. Engineering and Bridge Operations identified priority areas, developed specifications, and coordinated lane configurations. Police assisted with setting up traffic patterns and implementing traffic calming measures. Corporate Communications issued travel advisories and text alerts to keep motorists informed. Community & Government Relations ensured that nearby communities and elected officials were aware of the scheduled work.

Looking ahead, DRPA’s upcoming deck resurfacing and finger joint rehabilitation project, part of its $801.7 million Five-Year Capital Program, will repave every lane across the entire Ben Franklin Bridge-- ensuring a smoother ride and preserving the structure’s legacy for generations to come.

 
     

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