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Released: 4/9/2012
Walt Whitman Bridge Redecking Enters Stage Three
April 5, 2012 CONTACT: Tim Ireland
856-968-2253
WALT WHITMAN BRIDGE REDECKING ENTERS STAGE THREE
New Eastbound Traffic Pattern Starts Thursday, April 12
Motorists using the Walt Whitman Bridge are advised to be aware of changing traffic patterns in the eastbound direction into New Jersey. Reduced speed and lane closures are to be expected.
Stage Two of the seven-stage project is now complete, and Stage Three will begin on Thursday, April 12. Eastbound wide loads will not be allowed to cross the bridge during this phase, which should take about four months to complete. During peak eastbound traffic periods, drivers are encouraged to consider using either the Commodore Barry Bridge or the Ben Franklin Bridge.
The redecking project includes the removal of the suspended span, installation of a new lightweight grid deck, structural improvements, new parapets and a new steel-shell movable barrier. Almost 55 years old, the bridge first opened to traffic on May 16, 1957. In 2010, motor vehicles crossed the bridge about 39 million times.
The deck removal and replacement project began in August 2011 and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2014. It is the second largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the DRPA. Two contracts totaling $139,774,286.67 to re-deck the Walt Whitman Bridge and monitor construction of the project were awarded by the DRPA Board of Commissioners in May of 2010.
Project updates are posted on a dedicated website, www.deckthewalt.com, and may also be heard on the Walt Whitman Bridge traffic advisory radio station at 530 AM.
The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. The DRPA owns and operates PATCO and the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges. The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry.
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