DRJTBC hopes to dispel rumors, hysteria, concerns about the structural integrity of the Delaware Water Gap (I-80) Toll Bridge
NEW JERSEY – The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) hopes to dispel rumors, hysteria, and concerns about the structural integrity of the Delaware Water Gap (I-80) Toll Bridge.
The rusted pieces of steel in the picture are non-structural “blast plates” installed directly above a railroad right-of-way that crosses beneath the bridge on the Pennsylvania side. These steel plates are obsolete and inessential, according to DRJTBC Deputy Executive Director of Communications Joe Donnelly
“Their condition is not reflective of the bridge’s overall structural state, which is fine, thank you,” Donnelly said.
The two lines of riveted steel plates date from many decades ago when steam rail engines traveled on the tracks below the bridge. The plates shielded the steel girders and road deck above from heat, steam, and debris spewed by yesteryear’s steam engines. At one time, the railroad right-of-way had two sets of tracks (four rails). There is only one set of tracks today, Donnelly said.
“The Commission is aware of the plates, but removal would be challenging because the rail tracks below remain active. The plates do not pose a problem by remaining fastened to the bridge’s underside,” Donnelly said.
In accordance with federal law, the bridge is inspected every two years. The bridge was last inspected in 2023 and passed with “flying colors,” Donnelly said.
“One final note: Individuals attempting to irresponsibly raise public alarm by drawing some parallel between these superfluous outdated non-structural plates and Tuesday morning’s tragic and fatal collapse of Maryland’s Francis Scott Key (I-695) Bridge — a catastrophe caused by a container ship collision — should be ashamed of themselves,” Donnelly said.
