Open House Events To Brief Public On Washington Crossing Bridge Study

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will be holding two public open house meetings in early February as part of an alternatives analysis that will assist the commission in deciding what course of action to take in addressing the future of the Washington Crossing toll-supported bridge.

The public scoping events are scheduled for Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Crossing Church, 1895 Wrighstown Road, Washington Crossing 18977, and on Feb. 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, 1396 River Road, Titusville, New Jersey 08560.

The sessions will include display board stations where the public will be able to speak with the professionals involved with the Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives Analysis, a multi-year research, documentation, and review process that is being conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Display board stations will focus on the purpose and need for the analysis, a map of the study area, existing bridge deficiencies, public involvement, environmental considerations, the anticipated timeline, a listing of the broad alternative categories, and information on public comment opportunities. A video about the bridge also will be shown.

There will be no formal presentation during the open house events, according to the commission.

Following the sessions, the materials on display will be added to a webpage that has been established for the Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives Analysis. Individuals unable to attend the public scoping open house sessions will then be able to view the materials and submit comments and questions.

The analysis is being undertaken to identify and assess various alternatives for the Washington Crossing Bridge. The process involves topographic surveys, environmental studies, archaeological and cultural resource investigations, and other endeavours aimed at assessing the location and developing a range of alternatives. Generalized categories of alternatives are expected to include no action, replacement, rehabilitation, and/or repurposing the current bridge.

The primary objective of the analysis process is to identify a “preferred alternative” that would improve mobility and provide a safe and reliable river crossing.

Public scoping is an early-stage outreach activity prescribed under NEPA that guides the DRJTBC in gathering input to define the scope of environmental review, identify significant issues, obtain necessary data, develop feasible alternatives, and understand potential mitigation measures as part of an environmental documentation process.

Other public events are expected to occur at other key junctures as the alternative analysis progresses.

Of the 20 river crossings in the commission’s bistate (New Jersey and Pennsylvania) jurisdiction, the commission said the Washington Crossing Bridge easily receives the most customer complaints. It is the commission’s narrowest vehicular bridge with a 15-foot-wide roadway divided into two 7.5-foot travel lanes (one in each direction). Among motorists' complaints are broken mirrors and sideswipes with oncoming vehicles or the bridge structure itself.

The bridge carried an average of 6,600 vehicles a day in 2024. Its highest usage years were 2013 and 2016 when the annual average daily vehicle crossing counts were 7,500.

The bridge has a three-ton weight restriction, which has been in effect since 1995. The restriction is enforced by bridge monitors stationed 24/7 at a shelter adjacent to the bridge’s New Jersey approach. Bridge monitors also are positioned periodically in vehicles along the structure’s Pennsylvania approach.

In 2024, over 1,700 vehicles were turned away to protect the bridge from potential damage that could compromise its structural integrity and operation. (Note: 2025 statistics are expected to be available in late February.)