Motorists, be forewarned when crossing the Delaware River Memorial Bridge if heading into New Jersey.
Daily traffic delays are likely, especially at rush hours and on weekends.
Why?
Because two of the four regular traffic lanes into South Jersey from Delaware are closed for a major construction project and are expected to remain closed until a few days before Memorial Day weekend for the busier tourist season, according to the authority that operates the twin span bridge over the Delaware River between South Jersey and Delaware.
The two left lanes of the bridge are closed for phase two of a major resurfacing of the bridge’s concrete roadway, said authority spokesman Jim Salmon.‘
“While the project has been designed to minimize traffic delays to the extent possible, motorists may encounter them, particularly during rush hour time periods and peak weekend travel times,” said David Hoppenjans, authority chief engineer.
Is there a way around Delaware Memorial delays?
Drivers headed to the New Jersey Turnpike only can stay to the far left when approaching the bridge and take a special construction bypass lane the authority has opened on the adjacent southbound bridge span. The bypass takes drivers to Exit 1 of the turnpike. However, commercial vehicles are prohibited from using the bypass.
Motorists headed to South Jersey can opt to remain on the Delaware side of the bridge and head up I-95 northbound toward Philadelphia.
They can then head to one of the Delaware River Port Authority bridges between the two states to cross over into South Jersey. The Commodore Barry Bridge will take motorists into Gloucester County and the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman Bridges connect Philadelphia with Camden in Camden County in South Jersey. The Betsy Ross heads from Northeast Philadelphia into Pennsauken and Cinnaminson at Routes 73 and 130 as does the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge of the Burlington County Bridge Commission.
When will the two lanes open permanently?
Road deck work is expected to resume after the summer construction hiatus with more traffic delays possible as contractors finish the complete repaving of the two traffic lanes.
Salmon said the project began last fall with completion scheduled before Thanksgiving this year.
Carol Comegno loves telling stories about South Jersey life, history and military veterans for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. If you have a story to share, call her at 856-486-2473 or email ccomegno@gannettnj.com.
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