The Wrightstown Board of Supervisors passed a resolution calling on preserving the historic Washington Crossing Bridge.
The resolution that was approved earlier this week pointed to area concerns over traffic, environmental impacts, and the loss of the historical character that a new bridge might bring.
The resolution suggests the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission should look at alternatives to replacement, such as converting the current bridge into a one-way span controlled by traffic signals on the Bucks County and Mercer County sides.
The 119-year-old bridge in Upper Makefield Township spans the Delaware River, connecting Pennsylvania to New Jersey.
According to the resolution, there is the larger, more modern Scudder Falls Bridge just three miles south that could adequately handle cross-river traffic without the need to replace the historic structure.
The Wrightstown Township resolution aligns with sentiments expressed earlier this year by the Upper Makefield Township Board of Supervisors.
At a Wrightstown Township Board of Supervisors meeting earlier this spring, Chairman Chester Pogonowski said that Wrightstown, Upper Makefield and Newtown townships have worked together through a local zoning jointure to manage development. He said a larger bridge could impact that work.
At a recent Upper Makefield Township Board meeting, Chairperson Yvette Taylor reported turnout from locals at a bridge commission meeting. She noted that there has been strong local opposition to replacement plans.
Taylor said concerns have been shared by Newtown Township and Hopewell Township in New Jersey.
Efforts are also underway by Upper Makefield Township to have the bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a move that could offer additional protections against alteration or demolition.
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission said in February that it was considering a revamp of the toll-supported bridge, but no final plans had been made.
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.
