The Delaware River Bridge, which connects Pennsylvania to the New Jersey Turnpike, has been closed indefinitely after crews discovered a crack in one of the bridge’s beams.
Contractors who were hired to repaint the bridge discovered the crack on Friday afternoon.
The bridge, located on Interstate 276, is co-owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and New Jersey Turnpike Commission.
“This was a unique and complete fracture which may have happened quickly due to changing weather conditions,” said Sean Logan, chariman of the PA Turnpike Commission. “We are stabilizing the bridge now to prevent further movement. However, out of an abundance of caution and to protect traveler safety, the bridge must remain closed until a full-scale analysis and repair plan have been completed.”
Carl DeFebo, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, said he doesn’t know when the bridge was last inspected.
42,000 vehicles use the bridge daily to get from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.
The PA turnpike issued the following detour information:
“PA Turnpike motorists heading east into New Jersey should use this revised alternate route: Exit at the Bensalem Interchange, #351 in Bucks County. Follow U.S. Route 1 north, to I-95 north, to I-295 south, to I-195 east. Take Exit 6 on I-195, and reenter the NJ Turnpike.
Expect slow-moving or stopped traffic in the area, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.”