Projects

PROJECT DETAILS

Project cost: $93.0 million
Construction start: Spring 2023
Estimated completion: Fall 2027

BETSY ROSS BRIDGE PAINTING & STRUCTURAL REPAIRS

Project Overview

As one of DRPA’s four major bridges connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Betsy Ross Bridge plays a critical role in daily travel across the Delaware River. Nearly 50 years old, the bridge carries more than 12.3 million vehicles each year, serving as a key corridor for commuters and commercial traffic alike.

To ensure the bridge continues to meet the demands of the region, DRPA launched a comprehensive $93 million maintenance and preservation project in the spring of 2023. This multi-year initiative is focused on strengthening the bridge’s structure and protecting it from long-term wear- extending its service life well into the future.

Project scope includes:

  • Blasting & Surface Preparation: Blasting and removal of all existing lead-based paint, bringing the bridge down to bare metal, creating a clean and stable surface essential for proper adhesion of the new protective coating system.
  • New Protective Coating System: Application of a multi-layer, long-lasting coating designed to protect the structure from corrosion and environmental wear. The system includes an organic zinc-rich primer, an epoxy intermediate coat, and an aliphatic acrylic urethane finish.
  • Structural Enhancements: Targeted steel and concrete upgrades across multiple key areas of the bridge to improve durability, safety, and long-term performance.

Project areas span the thru truss and deck truss spans, dolphins, approach girders, gantries, barriers, Richmond Street Overpass, and the Betsy Ross toll plaza.

In March 2025, the initiative was recognized with New Jersey’s Leading Capital Construction Award by the New Jersey Alliance for Action- a testament to the project’s forward-looking approach and regional impact.

By investing in essential rehabilitation today, we are ensuring the Betsy Ross Bridge remains strong, safe, and reliable for generations to come.

What Motorists Can Expect

At times, motorists should expect lane closures and reduced speed limits in construction work zones. Please check traffic conditions before traveling, allow extra time, and consider alternate routes, like the Ben Franklin Bridge. For updates on significant disruptions, sign up for travel text alerts.

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ADDITIONAL PROJECTS

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