New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge Will be Shut Down Monday To Sure Up Structure

The New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge is scheduled to be shut down to all vehicular traffic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 6, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced recently

The planned midday closure will enable engineers to fully deploy a “friction collar,” a custom-made stabilization device that has been installed around a structurally compromised connection point on the 120-year-old steel truss bridge. The device will be incrementally tensioned during the temporary closure period, with engineers using computers to closely monitor a series of electronic sensors called strain gauges attached to various bridge components.

To carry out the device-activation process, the bridge’s roadway deck must be closed to all vehicular traffic for up to four hours. Pedestrian crossings will be allowed, but they will be subjected to stoppages and controlled escorts. Pedestrian volumes are low during Januarys, even during daytime hours.

The scheduled January 6 four-hour-long bridge closure is weather dependent and, therefore, subject to change.  Officials as of Saturday have not given an official “go/no go” on the closure as expected.

For more information on the project and what’s next please click here.