In April 1945 the Delaware State Highway Department was authorized to construct and operate a crossing of the Delaware River between New Castle, Delaware, and Pennsville, New Jersey. It took $44 million to build the graceful 440-foot-high span, which opened to traffic on August 15, 1951. By 1955, nearly 8 million vehicles were crossing the bridge each year—almost double the original projection. As a result, talks about building a second bridge were soon underway, and a twin span was dedicated in 1968. Although the spans look identical, there are differences. Today, more than 80,000 vehicles cross the twin spans on their combined total of 8 lanes daily.   First Span-NJ bound Second Span-DE bound Main Spans, Suspension Bridge Side Spans, Suspension Bridge Total length, Suspension Bridge 2,150 feet two at 750 feet 3,650 feet 2,150 feet two at 750 feet 3,650 feet   Movement Lateral: Vertical: Longitudinal: Tops of Towers Center of Main Span Center of Main Span Top of Towers 0.65 feet 8.90 feet 11.00 feet 2.36 feet 0.53 feet 8.00 feet 10.58 feet 2.24 feet MORE FACTS...