Frequently Asked Questions

Featured here are questions most commonly asked of the Project Team. As the Study progresses, new questions will be added. Please check back often for updates. If you have a question not addressed by the FAQs please contact us.

What is the Ben Franklin Bridge West Side Traffic Mitigation Study and what will it do?

The Ben Franklin Bridge (BFB) West Side Traffic Mitigation Study is being undertaken to improve the efficiency of travel into Philadelphia via the Ben Franklin Bridge.

This Study will further investigate six (6) recommended alternatives from the DRPA’s Ben Franklin Bridge West Side Conceptual Roadway Study of 2003. This Study will identify problem areas and measure the level of congestion experienced by motorists.

Real-time travel information systems will be investigated and the feasibility of using systems within the project area will be evaluated. This Study will pay close attention to environmental features and work with the community to learn of issues/concerns. The information will be used when developing local and regional alternatives to reduce traffic congestion.

The goal of the BFB West Side Traffic Mitigation Study is the development of an Implementation Plan for the deployment of short-term and long-term future projects designed to ease congestion during the morning commute. These projects will be developed using criteria related to: community impact and public input; available funding; the level of environmental clearance required; and other project related constraints and impacts.

When can we expect to see improvements to congestion?

At this stage it is too early to speculate when the mitigation will occur. Forecasting dates will be more effective following the finalization of the Study Report.

What are real-time travel information systems?

Real-time travel information systems provide motorists with up-to-the-minute guidance on traffic conditions. They allow motorists to better plan their route of travel by advising them of congestion areas, the current period of time needed to reach destinations, and suggestions for alternate routes. Real-time travel systems could include various elements, such as: variable message boards and Highway Advisory Radio. Other communications tools to assist travelers include: websites, the DRPA e-Alert system and Department of Transportation (DOT) operated 511 telephone systems.

How can you be sure not to cause problems on other roads when you reduce current congestion?

The Traffic Analysis to be conducted will look at cumulative impacts to roads within the study area. Computer traffic modeling will be employed to calculate potential impacts, both positive and negative, for each alternative.

How will you implement the improvements?

Short-term improvements will be implemented first, followed by long-term improvements. Once projects are identified, prioritized and funded, implementation will begin.

How much will it cost?

The costs of the projects will not be known until the study findings are complete. The study report will identify estimates at 2008 prices.

How do I get involved?

Public meetings will be scheduled at various points in the study development process. Visit the DRPA website at www.drpa.org for public meeting and event information, along with the most current news on the study. Also, to register to receive project update e-mails go to mailing list registration.

What happens next?

The study will result in the identification of both short-term and long-term projects designed to improve congestion within the study area. After that, the DRPA will work to get the projects funded through the existing transportation project development process.