Delaware River commission enters design phase for bridge rehabilitation

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) will use $15.8 million to rehabilitate and improve the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Toll-Supported Bridge. The project will put the 92-year-old bridge in a state of good condition and extend its service life by an additional 15 years. DRJTBC recently awarded a design contract for the project. Bidding and construction are expected to begin in 2025.

The bridge is currently in satisfactory condition and can safely carry up to a 15-ton weight limit. However, a 2022 Annual Inspection Report found evidence of rust, gaps, cracks and missing mortar along the structure and masonry substructure. The design phase will further identify deteriorating bridge conditions and make plans to rehabilitate the structure.

The DRJTBC will repair various pieces of the bridge’s steel superstructure. In addition, the commission will carry out additional repairs to the bridge’s abutments, piers and retaining walls. Plans include installing a programmable LED system to highlight the bridge’s architectural profile at night.

The project will include cleaning and repainting the bridge superstructure and underlying bearings. The DRJTBC will also protect the bridge’s abutments, aprons and piers from scouring. Scouring occurs when the river current removes sediment from around abutments and piers, creating holes that compromise the bridge’s integrity.

Plans also eliminate gaps in the bridge’s bearing assembly. This will ensure the bridge can effectively adapt to temperature variation and seismic activity that could increase overall stress.

The Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Toll-Supported Bridge spans the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The bridge is located 28 miles east of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

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