William F. Yurasko

Datelines, Northeast Corridor, Transportation

I see the bridge! Notes on the Delaware Memorial Bridge on the 61st anniversary of its opening

August 16, 2012

OVER THE DELAWARE RIVER — Over the years, I have mentioned that my favorite bridge is actually two — the Delaware Memorial Bridge has twin spans. Though not technically identical, the two suspension bridges 250 feet apart, are a welcome sight whenever I’m traveling up the Northeast Corridor. I have crossed them hundreds of times to visit family, friends, go down the Shore or all of the above. They are my gateway to New Jersey, where I was born and my family was from.

US Route 40 Interstate 295 - Delaware Interstate 295 - New Jersey The main spans are 2,150 long and the towers are 440 feet tall. Interstate 295 and US 40 are signed along the toll bridge that connects New Castle, Del. and Pennsville, N.J. The first bridge, which now serves northbound/eastbound traffic, opened on this day in 1951 (I wish I had thought to do a 60th anniversary post last year!). The New Jersey Turnpike opened the same year. The newer span, opened in 1968, carries southbound/westbound traffic. When I was a child, I was so used to seeing the two bridges side by side that when I saw single suspension bridges, it seemed strange.

Some may be surprised to learn that I-95 has never been signed along the bridge — it has always continued into nearby Wilmington and Philadelphia. By the way, on a clear day, the Philadelphia skyline is visible from the bridge. I don’t typically get to see it though, because I’m driving. Also, if it were up to me I’d extend US 301 from whatever northern terminus Delaware is using this week across the bridge into New Jersey and have it replace US 130. That’d fit the US highways grid better and go along with AASHTO guidelines really well. It could be a dyslexic nightmare for a while though.

Along the way, years ago, my family developed a contest to be the first to call out “I see the bridge!” I have had a couple of years-long winning streaks. My brother was very excited when he finally bested me sometime in the late 1990s. We’ve been known to call each other when traveling to inform the other of the all important sighting. My wife has gotten into it too and also enjoyed finally beating me in this contest. This past trip, I called it first both times.

One thing I noticed on the recent trip was the towers seem to have “grown ears” on them.

I asked the PhillyRoads.com and NortheastRoads facebook groups if anybody knows what they are but haven’t gotten a conclusive answer. I believe an email to the DRBA is in order. I hope they are temporary, because they diminish the design of the towers.

Lastly, on our way home, a Chinook helicopter was flying around South Jersey. My wife got several photographs of it as it flew over the bridge, between the towers.