Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
The Upper Makefield Township Board of Supervisors is spearheading an initiative to list the Washington Crossing Bridge on the National Register of Historic Places.
The supervisors’ effort comes ahead of talk of potential rehabilitation or reconstruction plans for the 119-year-old bridge that spans the Delaware River connecting the Washington Crossing section of Upper Makefield Township to Mercer County, New Jersey.
Supervisors Chairperson Yvette Taylor said residents have flooded the township and officials with comments on the bridge. She said residents attending bridge commission meetings is important.
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, in February confirmed to NewtownPANow.com that a potential revamp was being considered for the toll-supported bridge.
In response, the supervisors adopted a detailed five-page resolution last month. The supervisors “insisted” regular updates from the commission on the proposed rebuild of the bridge.
According to Taylor, the township was made aware of the plans through media reports and seeks to ensure the community is well-informed and consulted about any decisions related to the bridge’s future.
The resolution expresses concerns over the impact a modern, wider replacement would have on the serene and historic character of Washington Crossing. It also raises environmental issues that could arise from constructing a new bridge.
Supervisor Thomas Cino called the bridge a “treasure.”
The board last month approved up to $2,000 for historical and preservation expert Jeffrey Marshall to conduct the necessary research to see if the bridge meets the National Register of Historic Places standards. He would also see if the bridge fits the state standard.
Taylor said the township has spoke with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican; State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat; State Rep. Perry Warren, a Democrat; and officials from the bridge commission.
Opened to traffic on April 11, 1905, the Washington Crossing Bridge is known for how narrow it is.
The commission said the span is the slimmest among the commission’s 18 vehicle spans. With a roadway width of just 15 feet and 7.5-foot-wide lanes, the bridge’s limited capacity has been a cause for minor accidents and is considered “operationally challenged” by the commission.
