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Released: 3/21/2025 

Safeguarding Our Bridges and Critical Infrastructure

The safety and security of our bridges are our top priorities. In response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) report, Safeguarding Bridges from Vessel Strikes: Need for Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Reduction Strategies, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) assures the public that we have proactively assessed and continue to strengthen our infrastructure against vessel collisions and other potential threats.  
 
“The safety of our bridges is our top priority, and we are confident in the steps we have already taken to minimize hazards and risks,” said James D. Schultz, DRPA Board Chairman. “Long before the tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, DRPA took proactive steps to enhance protection from vessel collisions and other threats on its bridges. Through ongoing assessments, investments, and collaboration with key agencies, we continue to safeguard these vital crossings for the millions who rely on them.”
 
In 2003, DRPA conducted comprehensive Threat and Vulnerability Assessments of all core facilities, identifying key risks and implementing countermeasures such as rock islands at the Commodore Barry Bridge and cable hardening at the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges.
 
Since that initial system-wide threat assessment was conducted in 2003 we have continuously assessed our risks and vulnerabilities at the four bridges and PATCO, completing at least five comprehensive assessments over the past twenty years, in addition to three assessments that are currently in process.

In 2023, DRPA initiated a system-wide All-Hazard Risk Assessment for its four bridges and PATCO. This comprehensive assessment, currently underway, will identify critical areas and evaluate vulnerabilities from both operational and engineering perspectives using a mathematical risk model.

In 2024, DRPA initiated a Pier and Vulnerability Analysis at the Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges to assess whether existing vessel protection systems can withstand the increasing risks posed by larger vessels. Once the study is complete, we will evaluate recommendations and explore improvements to enhance bridge safety.

Additionally, in 2023, DRPA initiated the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Walt Whitman Bridge Fender and Pier Rehabilitation Project to design improvements to the vessel protection systems at the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman Bridges that were identified in the Biennial Inspection Report. On March 20, 2025, the project achieved its 30% design mark.  
 
The 30% design provides 8 alternatives for vessel protection including a recommended alternative. Upon review of this 30% design, we will progress with the selected alternative.

Through continued collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Pilots’ Association, we are committed to holding our infrastructure to the highest safety standards, safeguarding the vital crossings that millions rely on every day.

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