Drivers over Delaware River bridge get brief reprieve from construction lane closure

Drivers who’ve endured utilizing one lane in each instructions on a free bridge throughout the Delaware River that’s been underneath development because the fall of 2021, acquired all three lanes of the span returned to service on Thursday.

All lanes of the Northampton Avenue bridge, also called the Easton-Phillipsburg “free bridge,” had been returned to service Thursday after an 18-month development undertaking that required lowering the variety of lanes to 2, mentioned Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Fee officers.

A $15.4 million undertaking to make structural repairs, clear and repaint the 125-year-old bridge’s signature cantilever truss span has reached the purpose the place one lane not must be closed seven days every week, officers mentioned. The undertaking ensures that the bridge is not going to want giant scale repairs and lengthy lane closures for 15 to twenty years, officers mentioned.

However the reduction will probably be quick lived. On Monday, the bridge returns to having one lane open in every course for roughly 10 hours a day on weekdays, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., for the subsequent part of the undertaking, to put in sidewalks, avenue lights and {the electrical} work wanted for them.

Fee officers warned drivers that they could encounter delays and backups approaching the bridge till the undertaking is totally accomplished.

The aged bridge, which has a three-ton weight restrict and a 15 mph velocity restrict, carried a mean of 16,500 autos a day in 2021.

The company operates eight toll bridges and 12 toll-supported, “free” bridges.

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Larry Higgs could also be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.