Public Input Sought For Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — The future of the Washington Crossing Bridge will be the focus of two public scoping open house sessions this week, hosted by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC). The sessions will give motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians the chance to learn about the ongoing bridge examination process and submit comments.

The public scoping event includes two sessions. The first will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at The Crossing Church, located at 1895 Wrightstown Road in Washington Crossing, PA. The second session is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, 1396 River Road in Titusville, N.J.

The sessions are part of the Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives Analysis, a multi-year research, documentation, and review process conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The commission initiated the environmental examination in August 2024 to assess whether continued public investment in the current bridge is appropriate.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak - one-on-one - with members of the project team at display board information stations covering the undertaking's purpose and need, a study-area map, existing bridge deficiencies, public involvement opportunities, environmental considerations, the anticipated timeline, and broad alternative categories. A recent introductory video outlining the bridge's shortcomings will also be shown.

The alternatives analysis is expected to identify and assess the various options for the bridge, including taking no action, bridge replacement, bridge rehabilitation, or repurposing the bridge.

The primary goal is to determine a “preferred alternative” that enhances mobility and ensures a safe and reliable river crossing, the commission said. The public scoping process will help guide the DRJTBC in defining the scope of environmental review and identifying significant issues.

Following the sessions, the displayed materials will be posted on the project webpage, available by clicking here. Individuals unable to attend can view the materials and submit comments online. Additional public events are planned as the alternatives analysis progresses.

According to the commission, the Washington Crossing Bridge, the DRJTBC's narrowest vehicular bridge, receives the most customer complaints among the 20 river crossings in its jurisdiction. It has a three-ton weight restriction, enforced by bridge monitors.