DRBA Ship Collision and Protection System
Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) has awarded the contract to RE Pierson Construction, which will construct a vessel collision protection system for the northbound and southbound structures of the bridge.
RE Pierson will construct the 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.
The construction will protect the Delaware Memorial Bridge from a vessel collision in the range of 120,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), travelling at a speed of approximately seven knots.
The work is being caried out to satisfy a federal mandate to enhance protection for critical bridges around the country. The Delaware Memorial Bridges carries Interstate 295, connecting travelers from New York City to Washington, DC, and the New Jersey Turnpike.
Delaware River and Bay Authority
$90 Million
New Castle, Delaware
October 2022 – September 2025
General Service Scope
Construction of eight 80-foot-diameter dolphins in the Delaware River to protect the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Project Challenge
Construction of new north-south state highway connecting beaches with Dover and Wilmington.
Project Solution
RE Pierson successfully completed 5 separate contracts for the Delaware Department of Transportation in the building of the new SR 1 alignment.