The Commodore Barry Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Delaware River, connecting Chester, Pennsylvania, and Bridgeport, New Jersey. The bridge is a significant transportation artery, carrying Interstate 495 (I-495) traffic between the two states. With a total length of 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), it is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. The Commodore Barry Bridge has a vertical clearance of 188 feet (57 meters) above the Delaware River, allowing large ships to pass underneath.
History and Construction
The Commodore Barry Bridge was constructed between 1968 and 1974 by the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), a bi-state agency responsible for managing transportation infrastructure in the region. The bridge was designed by the engineering firm Modjeski and Masters, and its construction required over 20,000 tons of steel and 100,000 cubic yards of concrete. The bridge was officially opened to traffic on February 1, 1974, and was named after Commodore John Barry, a naval officer who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War.
Design and Engineering Features
The Commodore Barry Bridge is a cantilever bridge with a main span of 1,644 feet (501 meters) and a total of nine spans. The bridge’s superstructure is composed of a steel truss system, with a roadway width of 56 feet (17 meters) and a vertical clearance of 188 feet (57 meters) above the Delaware River. The bridge’s foundation consists of concrete piers and abutments, with a total of 12 piers and two abutments. The bridge’s design incorporates a number of innovative features, including a deflection theory that allows the bridge to flex and absorb stress caused by wind and traffic loads.
| Bridge Specifications | Actual Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) |
| Main Span | 1,644 feet (501 meters) |
| Vertical Clearance | 188 feet (57 meters) |
| Roadway Width | 56 feet (17 meters) |
| Number of Spans | 9 |
| Number of Piers | 12 |
Traffic and Operations
The Commodore Barry Bridge carries a significant amount of traffic, with over 36,000 vehicles per day. The bridge is a critical transportation artery, connecting the cities of Chester, Pennsylvania, and Bridgeport, New Jersey, and providing access to the Port of Philadelphia and other regional transportation infrastructure. The bridge is operated and maintained by the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), which is responsible for ensuring the bridge’s safety and structural integrity.
Safety and Maintenance
The Commodore Barry Bridge is subject to regular maintenance and inspection to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The bridge is inspected annually by the DRPA, and any necessary repairs or maintenance are performed on a regular basis. The bridge is also equipped with a number of safety features, including collision barriers, emergency phone systems, and video surveillance cameras. In addition, the bridge is designed to be seismically resistant, with a number of features that allow it to withstand earthquakes and other seismic events.
What is the vertical clearance of the Commodore Barry Bridge?
+The vertical clearance of the Commodore Barry Bridge is 188 feet (57 meters) above the Delaware River.
How many vehicles per day cross the Commodore Barry Bridge?
+Over 36,000 vehicles per day cross the Commodore Barry Bridge.
Who operates and maintains the Commodore Barry Bridge?
+The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) operates and maintains the Commodore Barry Bridge.
In conclusion, the Commodore Barry Bridge is a significant transportation infrastructure project that plays a critical role in the regional economy. Its unique design and engineering features make it a structurally complex and highly durable structure, capable of withstanding a wide range of environmental and traffic-related stresses. As a major transportation artery, the Commodore Barry Bridge will continue to play an important role in the region’s transportation network for years to come.
