As the prime consultant for this contract, Modjeski and Masters will design a vessel collision protection system for the northbound and southbound structures of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The firm will design new pier protection cells and replace the channel-side fender system for the tower piers. The existing fender system is original to each of the spans and inadequate to protect the bridge from collisions with modern cargo ships.
“Spanning the Delaware Bay, the second busiest waterway in the U.S., the Delaware Memorial Bridge is a paramount structure along the I-295 corridor,” said Mike Britt, President and CEO of Modjeski and Masters. “Our firm has been a leader in vessel collision design criteria — dating back to the 1980s — and since then we have strengthened our skill through numerous site-specific vessel surveys, risk assessments and design of protective measures against vessels. We’re pleased to bring our expertise to this project and help protect both marine traffic and the 100,000-plus highway vehicles that use this bridge daily.”
The design will protect the Delaware Memorial Bridge from a vessel collision in the range of 156,000 deadweight tonnage, travelling at a speed of approximately seven knots. Modjeski and Masters will adhere to all current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design specifications for this design.
The project will satisfy a federal mandate to enhance protections for critical bridges around the country. The Delaware Memorial Bridges carries Interstate 295, connecting travelers from New York City to Washington, D.C., and the New Jersey Turnpike. The project is expected to cost $45 to $46 million.
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