$8 Million Study Set for Crossing Site

WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. -- The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has taken another step toward possible replacement of the beloved 119-year-old Washington Crossing Bridge, but the action taken is seen as prolonged with a removal decision not anticipated for several years.

The Commission recently approved $8 million for an engineering firm to conduct a multi-year environmental review of the historic Washington Crossing area to help in deciding whether to replace or redevelop the safety-challenged span. The review by HDR Engineering Inc., of Philadelphia, will take about 30 months and will examine subjects like alternatives and public involvement.

“This environmental review will take years to complete,” said Joe Resta, commission executive director. “It’s a first step strictly limited to research and analysis. It does not authorize the hiring of a contractor and it certainly does not authorize design and construction of a new bridge.”

The goal of the review process “is to improve mobility and provide a safe and reliable river crossing for vehicles and pedestrians while ensuring the continued viability of businesses near the current bridge,” according to the commission. The environmental review is to name a “preferred alternative” to the Washington Crossing site – alternatives that could include rehabilitating the current bridge, improving the New Jersey approach roadway or conducting no project work.

The aging Washington Crossing Bridge today handles 7,200 vehicles a day, a volume seen as too great for the 15-foot-wide roadway that is the narrowest of the commission’s 18 bridges, and is often the scene of minor side-swiping accidents.

The commission several months ago said it was exploring a possible replacement, notice that since has garnered community opposition to removal of a structure key in the historic area.

Upper Makefield Township, host municipality here on the Pennsylvania side of the bridge, currently seeks the bridge’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation forbids physical changes.

“We don’t want to see something that is destructive, or will destroy or negatively affect the village of Washington Crossing,” said Tom Cino, supervisor, Upper Maekfield Township.

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Traffic jams like this are common on Washington Crossing Bridge.Photo byMarc KleenonUnsplash