MORRISVILLE BOROUGH, PA — Construction is officially underway this week at the historic Calhoun Street Bridge, where drivers are being advised to prepare for slowdowns and daytime single-lane restrictions through Friday. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) says the lane closures are necessary as contractors replace several iron architectural brackets along the bridge’s truss structure.
The temporary restrictions will affect thousands of daily commuters. In 2024, the Calhoun Street Bridge was the DRJTBC’s third most heavily traveled non-tolled crossing, carrying an average of 16,900 vehicles every day between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Throughout this week, travel will be limited to a single lane controlled by flaggers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, as crews move along the span performing bracket installation.
Earlier this year, the Commission removed several of the decorative brackets after an oversized tractor-trailer illegally crossed the 140-year-old, weight-restricted bridge on Dec. 14, 2023. The truck caused collision damage, prompting an emergency shutdown of the crossing.
Although the brackets contribute to the bridge’s historic aesthetic, the Commission emphasized that they are not part of the load-bearing system and do not affect structural integrity. The 2023 crash forced an immediate closure, but Commission engineers inspected the bridge and reopened it a little more than an hour later after it was determined to be structurally safe and sound. New Jersey State Police later issued multiple citations to the driver.
Drivers this week should anticipate occasional delays or brief stoppages as materials are moved and equipment is repositioned. The DRJTBC cautions motorists to lower speeds, remain alert in the work zone, and prepare for unexpected shifts in travel flow. Weather, emergency incidents, or other operational considerations may alter the schedule.
Beyond the current construction, the Calhoun Street Bridge stands out as a rare engineering artifact. It is:
The structure is notable for its original Phoenix Columns, riveted wrought-iron members, and other Victorian-era design elements that have allowed it to serve the region for more than 140 years. The bridge officially opened on October 20, 1884, serving as a vital link through the industrial boom of the late 19th century.
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Originally built for the Trenton City Delaware Bridge Company, the bridge operated as a privately tolled crossing for more than four decades. That changed on November 14, 1928, when Pennsylvania and New Jersey jointly purchased it and removed the tolls, with the transaction facilitated by the long-defunct Joint Commission for Elimination of Private Toll Bridges.
The DRJTBC assumed maintenance responsibility in 1934 and later received full ownership of the span in July 1987. Since then, the Commission has overseen routine preservation and structural upkeep to ensure that the aging but iconic crossing remains functional for modern traffic demands.
While this week’s construction represents only a small portion of the ongoing maintenance required to keep the Calhoun Street Bridge safe and functional, it highlights the unique challenges of preserving an active crossing with 19th-century engineering. Officials said additional restoration or maintenance phases may occur in future years as part of the Commission’s long-term preservation program.
Drivers can continue to expect periodic lane limitations as work proceeds, though all restrictions are scheduled to lift by the end of the week—weather permitting.
Originally reported by Dino Ciliberti,Patch Staff in Patch.
