Washington Crossing Bridge Deficiencies Documented In New Commission Video

WASHINGTON CROSSING — The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission on Thursday released an informational video identifying the Washington Crossing Toll-Supported Bridge’s "abundant structural, operational, and safety deficiencies" that are the underpinning of a multi-year environmental review to determine a possible future course of action for the aging, narrow bridge.

The nearly five-minute-long video was produced for the Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives Analysis, which was launched in August 2024 and is being conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The video has been posted to the commission’s YouTube channel and may be viewed below.

The two-lane bridge links Mercer County, N.J., with Bucks County, Pa. The steel-truss superstructure was constructed in 1905 for a former private company that charged tolls to cross it for its first 17 years of operation. The bridge was freed of tolls after passing into public hands in 1922.

Despite decades of government ownership and past rehabilitation efforts, the commission said the bridge is "rife with inherent flaws – substandard design, 7.5-foot-wide travel lanes, a bare-minimum load rating, frequent vehicular collisions, and timber-crib foundations. The bridge, which predates the mass production of automobiles, has now reached the point where the DRJTBC needs to determine whether toll revenues collected at its eight toll bridges should again be spent on the outdated structure."

To facilitate that decision point, the commission launched an alternatives analysis process to thoroughly examine the Washington Crossing Bridge and develop a preferred alternative aimed at improving mobility and providing a safe and reliable river crossing for vehicles and pedestrians while ensuring the continued viability of businesses near the bridge.

The alternatives analysis has now reached a juncture where motorists, recreationists, business owners and other concerned parties can learn about the process and weigh in. Two public scoping sessions have been scheduled.

The first takes place on Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Crossing Church, 1895 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing 18977.

The second session takes place Feb. 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, 1396 River Road, Titusville, NJ 08560.