Milford-Montague Bridge

Milford  - The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is moving forward with the Milford-Montague Toll Bridge rehabilitation project, which includes replacing the existing bridge deck, the blast-cleaning and repainting of the bridge, and replacement of the approach roadway pavements and the existing toll plaza.

The project should be be completed in May 2009.

Beginning today, the bridge's pedestrian walkway will be closed until the project is completed. Partial single lane closures are anticipated to commence on April 1, with a traffic signal controlling alternating lanes of traffic through the work zone. Temporary off peak lane closures may be needed prior to that date to allow construction crews to begin preparations for the project. Due to the limited lane widths, wide loads and permit loads will not be allowed while the bridge deck is being replaced

To accommodate vacation travelers and the regional economy, the Commission will place a moratorium on daytime construction during the summer months, when traffic on the bridge increases nearly 50 percent. Based on community feedback and requests, the summer moratorium will be in effect from 12:00 noon on the Thursday prior to Memorial Day 2008 to mid to late September 2008. During this moratorium both lanes of traffic will be open during the day, although construction may occur some nights. Construction will resume after the annual inspection of the Dingman's Ferry Bridge is complete in September.

The project includes rehabilitation of the bridge, approach work on both sides of the Delaware River and replacement of the toll plaza. Work includes the replacement of the bridge's precast concrete deck panels, the replacement of deteriorated supporting stringers and the blast cleaning and painting of the entire steel superstructure. The Pennsylvania and New Jersey approaches and shoulders will be repaired and or replaced and additional signage will be installed on the approaches. The existing toll plaza will also be replaced with two new booths and a dedicated E-ZPass lane.

The Milford-Montague Toll Bridge is the northern-most bridge crossing the Delaware River under the Commission's jurisdiction. Located seven miles south of the New Jersey and New York state line, the bridge connects U.S. Route 206 at Montague, N.J. to US. Routes 6 and 209 at Milford, Pa. In 2006, an average of 8,500 trips was made across the bridge daily.