Overview
The Walt Whitman Bridge spans the Delaware River and connects Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Gloucester City, New Jersey. Built in the late 1950s and completed in 1957, the Walt Whitman Bridge remains an iconic symbol for drivers and serves as one of the most heavily trafficked highways in the United States. This article will explore the history and construction of the Walt Whitman Bridge, from its inception and design to the present day.
Construction
Construction on the Walt Whitman Bridge began in 1955, with the bridge initially estimated to take roughly two to two and a half years to build. The bridge was completed ahead of schedule and opened to traffic on May 16, 1957. The entire project cost approximately $47 million, a significant sum at the time, due to the complexity of the bridge’s design. The bridge has eight lanes for vehicular traffic and provides drivers with a safe, reliable and cost-efficient way to journey from the cities of Philadelphia and Gloucester City.
Design
The bridge was designed and built with a suspension system, using five main spans and a set of suspension towers. The suspension system, complex even by today’s standards, was revolutionary for the time. The five main spans are comprised of steel beams, measuring in at 872 feet in length each, and trusses, measuring 646 feet in length each. The entire bridge spans 5,600 feet in total and holds a record as the longest span in the world for a single level suspension bridge.
Traffic Pattern
Today, the Walt Whitman Bridge remains a heavily trafficked highway. According to the recent data, the bridge sees an average of 82 million vehicles a year, which is an impressive number considering the bridge only has 8 lanes of traffic. Over the years, the bridge has become more congested and efforts have been made to alleviate traffic by adjusting the tolls and introducing an electronic toll collection system. Despite these changes, the traffic congestion still remains.
Maintenance
In recent years, several efforts have been made to maintain and improve the bridge. The most high profile example of this was in February 2018, when a major overhaul of the Walt Whitman Bridge was completed. This overhaul included replacing the suspended steel cables of the bridge, modifying the approach ramps and replacing the expansion joint. This project cost a whopping $330 million and is a testament to the importance of the bridge and its role as an essential piece of infrastructure connecting two states.
Facts and Information
The Walt Whitman Bridge is a fascinating and important bridge, connecting two states and bearing the name of an iconic poet. Here are some facts and information about the bridge:
- The Walt Whitman Bridge span is 5,500 feet in total, making it the longest single span suspension bridge in the world.
- The Walt Whitman Bridge was designed and engineered by the firm Othmar H. Ammann, who also designed the George Washington Bridge and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York.
- The Walt Whitman Bridge carries an average of 82 million vehicles per year.
- The bridge opened to traffic in May 1957, almost two years ahead of schedule.
- The cost of the initial construction was $47 million.
- The 2018 renovation project to maintain the bridge cost $330 million.
Environmental Impact
The Walt Whitman Bridge has been a major source of environmental pollution since its construction. The bridge itself produces more than 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide alone; however, its larger impact is felt through its contribution to the traffic congestion caused by the bridge. This has resulted in the release of harmful emissions from vehicles stuck in traffic, such as smog, nitrogen oxide and ozone. In addition, the bridge is in close proximity to several National Park Service sites, such as the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Penn State Forest, and the pollutants from the bridge have an adverse effect on this sensitive ecosystem.
Safety and Security
The Walt Whitman Bridge has been designed and built to be as safe and secure as possible. The construction of the bridge incorporates several safety features to ensure the protection of its passengers and drivers, such as rounded edges and non-slip walkways. Additionally, the bridge is constantly monitored by the Delaware River Port Authority, which ensures the bridge meets all federal and state regulations and is open to traffic whenever possible. They also coordinate and monitor the bridge’s bridge inspection and repair activities.
Economics
The economic impact of the Walt Whitman Bridge has been tremendous, both for the cities of Philadelphia and Gloucester City as well as the entire region. The bridge has brought increased tourist traffic as well as economic activity, as it has allowed for improved transportation between the cities and greater access to nearby attractions. In addition, the bridge has created jobs for residents in the region, with many people employed in the bridge’s maintenance, engineering and construction. Furthermore, the bridge has encouraged development, as the area around the bridge has seen rapid growth in the past several decades.
Conclusion
The Walt Whitman Bridge is an iconic symbol of the Delaware region and has stood as a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of those involved in its construction, maintenance and operation since its initial completion in 1957. Its construction was ahead of schedule, and its design has proved to be able to withstand traffic congestion and the forces of nature for over 60 years, remaining a safe and secure bridge to this day. The bridge has been a tremendous source of economic growth for the region and will undoubtedly remain an important piece of infrastructure for many years to come.
