MEDIA RESOURCE ROOM

The Clarks Summit and Keyser Avenue tolling points on the Northeastern Extension, I-476, will be converted using the existing toll lanes and structures. This conversion will be similar to the Beaver Valley Expressway conversion in that it is an “In Place” tolling approach using cameras mounted on existing structures to capture license plate images.
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The Findlay Connector conversion, Toll 576 in Allegheny County, includes a new overhead gantry on the highway between U.S. 30/Clinton/Imperial and Westport. The coin-drop machines and E-ZPass equipment at ramp plazas along the Findlay Connector will be removed following conversion. When opened, this location will be similar to the Delaware River Bridge tolling point.
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As part of a project to update toll equipment with modern hardware and software, the PA Turnpike will decommission and remove the red, yellow and green traffic lights used to provide feedback to E-ZPass drivers indicating their transponders were properly read. As the PTC replaces the equipment with enhanced technology, customers may temporarily see the decommissioned lights wrapped in yellow plastic.
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Crews will begin the process of realigning the Delaware River Bridge today, very slowly and deliberately jacking the bridge back into its original position. The crews will use hydraulic jacks, supported by eight heavy-duty temporary towers that were recently installed beneath the bridge, to coax the structure back into place. They will work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and then again either Saturday or Sunday, weather-permitting, to finish returning the span to its original position.
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Crews continue to work 24/7 on stabilizing towers that will be used to jack the bridge up to its previous alignment, determining the extent of the long term solution needed. Crews also continue to take borings from the bridge for analysis of the entire structure. Timeline remains the same, it will be another 6 weeks before crews know enough to issue next steps.
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On site crews continue to work around the clock at the Bridge work site erecting 80’ support towers that will eventually be used to support the jacking of the bridge into its original alignment. This work includes not only building the towers but digging and laying brand new foundations for each due to the ground conditions so close to the river. Relocation of some utilities was required and we are thankful for the support we received from all the local utility companies in doing this quickly and safely. The PA Turnpike Commission has been in contact with neighbors of the bridge who are impacted by the round the clock work to ensure they remain up to date on progress.
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Section of the first of 8 80' temporary support towers nears completion at the Delaware River Bridge work site. These towers will be going up and will eventually allow engineers to realign the bridge and determine the long term solution.
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As crews continue critical repair work on the DRB, a snooper crane is used to inspect the other areas of the bridge for any defects or issues.
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Crews are currently working below grade in eight locations to lay foundations for the temporary support towers which will further stabilize the compromised areas of the bridge. Cut-outs of the bridge have been sent to testing sites for analysis.
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These photos show the splice plate installed over the weekend to stabilize the fractured I-beam. The arrows indicate the gap where the fracture occurred. That gap now looks bigger because steel samples were cut off the edges of the fracture and sent to a lab for analysis.
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Delaware River Bridge, Bucks County, I-276
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Location of Fractured I-Beam
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The complete fracture occurred on a 14-inch truss member beneath the deck, or driving surface, of the Delaware River Turnpike Bridge. The affected truss member is located just below the westbound right lane of I-276 on the west shore.
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This photo shows the severed truss member looking up from below the Delaware River Turnpike Bridge. The fracture affects a section of the bridge on the PA side above Palmer Avenue. There are no residences or other structures beneath the bridge.
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