Our structural engineering team has successfully delivered the first phase of a multi-span bridge rehabilitation project spanning the Delaware River, restoring full load capacity and extending the structure's service life by 40 years — completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
Project Overview
The Delaware River Bridge, a critical corridor for freight and passenger transport in the tri-state region, had reached the end of its original design life. Commissioned by the Regional Transportation Authority, Wexmoor Builders was selected following a competitive tendering process that evaluated technical competency, safety record, and delivery track record.
Phase 1 focused on the rehabilitation of four main spans, including full deck replacement, pier strengthening, and the installation of modern expansion joints and waterproofing systems. The scope also included upgrades to the bridge's drainage infrastructure and anti-corrosion coating across all steel elements.
Engineering Approach
To minimise disruption to traffic, our team deployed a lane-by-lane rehabilitation strategy — an approach that requires exact coordination between structural works, traffic management, and safety compliance. Advanced finite element modelling was used to assess load redistribution at each stage, ensuring structural integrity was never compromised during the phased construction.
Pre-fabricated deck panels, manufactured off-site to precision specifications, significantly reduced on-site assembly time and improved quality consistency. This approach alone saved an estimated 18 working days compared to traditional cast-in-place methods.
Outcomes & Looking Ahead
Phase 1 was completed on October 3, 2023 — 14 days ahead of the contractual deadline — and within the approved budget. Load testing confirmed the rehabilitated spans now exceed the original design capacity by 15%, accommodating the region's growing freight demands.
Phase 2, covering the remaining spans and approach roads, is scheduled to commence in Q1 2024. Wexmoor Builders is proud to play a central role in preserving this vital piece of regional infrastructure for generations to come.
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