In The News

Toll-free I-95 bridge to be replaced using tolls

A toll-free bridge linking New Jersey and Pennsylvania on Interstate 95 would be replaced with a tolled structure as part of a proposal to widen the interstate and relieve congestion.

If future toll rates on the Scudder Falls Bridge are consistent with other tolled bridges in the region, truckers could expect to pay $16.25 cash or $14.63 with E-ZPass to get across.

Overseeing the proposed $310 million replacement of the Scudder Falls Bridge is the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The commission operates seven tolled bridges and 13 non-tolled bridges in the region.

The commission has scheduled two public hearings for next month while a public comment period remains in effect through Feb. 4, 2010.

A project spokesman told Land Line about future plans to toll the new bridge.

“The commission is determined to toll the replacement bridge at some time in the future,” said Kevin Skeels of the DRJTBC.

Officials stated in a press release that tolls would be collected electronically at the bridge.

The project calls for 4.4 miles of I-95 to be widened by one lane in each direction using land in the median. The four-lane Scudder Falls Bridge would be replaced with a six-lane structure and would include a pedestrian crossing. The I-95 Taylorsville Road Interchange and the Route 29 interchange would be reconfigured and a $7.5 million noise barrier would be constructed.

Approximately 58,400 vehicles cross the 50-year-old bridge each day. Officials have given the crossing an “F” rating because of congestion and condition of the bridge. Traffic could top 77,500 vehicles per day by 2030.

Public hearings are scheduled as follows:

Jan. 19, 2010, at Villa Victoria Academy, 376 W. Upper Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ. Open house begins at 5 p.m. with the public hearing beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 20, 2010, at Sheraton Bucks County Hotel, 400 Oxford Valley Road, Langhorne, PA. Open house begins at 5 p.m. with the public hearing beginning at 7 p.m.
A public comment period began Dec. 9 and concludes Feb. 4, 2010. Address public comments to:

Kevin Skeels
Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission
110 Wood & Grove Streets
Morrisville, PA 19067
E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

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