Historic Bridge Issue Heats Up

WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. -- Some 248 years after Gen. Geoge Washington stealthily and successfully crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night, another skirmish is taking place at the site of the historic Revolutionary War passage here. But this clash is not between the Continental and British armies, but over possible replacement of the beloved 119-year-old Washington Crossing Bridge.

While the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, the quasi-public agency that operates the narrow span that handles 7,200 vehicles daily, has indicated it may study replacement of the structure seen as inadequate and unsafe, opposition to the replacement plan grows.

Upper Makefield Township officials recently stepped up a drive to protect the historic sense of the area by getting not only the bridge but nearby buildings and houses on the National Register of Historic Places. Such placement greatly protects the original structure.

In a unanimous board decision, Jeff Marshall, a historic preservation expert and former president of the Heritage Conservancy, now will research not only the bridge but nearby buildings and house for placement on the register. The supervisors earlier this year enlisted Marshall to research only the bridge. It is not known for how long the research will be conducted or when an attempt would be made for the register.

At the same time, the township posted on its website a request for residents to join in the “vital” fight.

“If you are concerned about the possibility of the Washington Crossing Bridge replacement, the board of supervisors encourages you to voice your concerns to the Toll Bridge Commission by attending their monthly meeting,” according to the website letter. The next meeting, held virtually and in person, is 10:30 a.m. June 24 at 1199 Woodside Rd. Yardley. “Communication directly to them is vital.”

The letter points out the supervisors have passed a resolution against a bridge replacement and also attended bridge commission meetings.

“Though there my not be an agenda item for the Washington Crossing Bridge Project, public comments are received each meeting,” the letter reads, pointing out the township feels a bridge replacement would impact public safety, finances and quality of life

(Have you ever crossed this bridge? Time to replace it or not? Let me and others know.)

Will historic bridge be open or closed for repair?Photo byChittima StanmoreonUnsplash