| Questions and Answers |
1. How high are the Delaware Memorial Bridge towers?
The towers are approximately 441 feet tall.
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2. How long is the Delaware Memorial Bridge?
Each Bridge has a 3,650 foot suspended span and 7,150 foot approach span totalling 10,765 feet in length abutment to abutment.
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3. How often do the Commissioners meet?
The Commission usually meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Special or emergency meetings are scheduled when needed.
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4. If a majority of Commissioners vote in favor of a policy or action, does it automatically become official?
No. A minimum of four (4) Commissioners from each State must vote in favor of any action or policy for it to pass. In addition, all Authority action that receives Commission approval is subject to a veto by either the Governor of New Jersey or the Governor of Delaware.
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5. Can you walk or bicycle across the Bridge?
For your safety and the safety of other, bicycling and walking across the Bridge are prohibited.
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6. When driving across the Bridge, how far from the water am I at the highest point?
The Delaware Memorial Bridge deck at center span is approximately 200 feet above the Delaware River. Because the Delaware River is tidal, the distance can vary.
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7. How much revenue does the bridge generate?
The Delaware Memorial Bridge generates approximately $68 million a year. |
8. What is the average traffic volume on the bridge?
Approximately 45,000 vehicles pay the toll on the Delaware Memorial Bridge daily. Because tolls are collected in one direction only, the estimated number may be doubled to get the total average daily volume. |
9. When were the Spans built?
The original span (New Jersey-bound) was finished on August 16, 1951 while the second span was opened to traffic on September 12, 1968. |
10. Did the state of Delaware finance and build the first bridge?
Yes, the state of Delaware built, financed and operated the first span until 1962 when the Delaware River and Bay Authority was created. |
11. How is the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) organized?
The DRBA, a bi-state agency, was created by Compact in 1962 to own and operate all transportation crossings between New Jersey and Delaware. The Compact was approved by both New Jersey and Delaware legislatures and the United States Congress. The Compact was amended in 1990 to permit the Authority to engage in economic development projects in the four southern counties of New Jersey and the three counties of Delaware.
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12. Who governs the DRBA?
The Authority has twelve Commissioners who direct policy for the agency.The Governors of New Jersey and Delaware each appoint six members to the Commission. |
