Capital PrograMs
In Delaware & New Jersey
DRBA Transportation Infrastructure Projects: Capital Program Overview
2025-2029
The Delaware River & Bay Authority has an extensive network of structures and facilities designed to provide the public with safe and efficient means of transportation as well as support economic development initiatives in the region.
This transportation network includes the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and the Fort Ferry Crossing. The Authority also operates and maintains five (5) Airport facilities in Delaware and New Jersey through long-term leases with a municipality, county, or state. These facilities include Wilmington/New Castle Airport, Delaware Airpark and Civil Air Terminal in Delaware and Millville and Cape May Airports in New Jersey.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) addresses the needs over the next five years to properly maintain and enhance the Authority's facilities to meet the increasing demands primarily associated with the transportation industry.
What is DRBA’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP)?
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a multi-year planning and budgeting program. It allocates funds to maintain, modernize, and improve regional transportation infrastructure such as DRBA’s bridges, ferries, and airports across Delaware and New Jersey.
Key Goals of the DRBA (CIP)
- Asset Preservation: Protect and extend the life of critical regional structures
- Safety & Security: Upgrade aging systems to meet modern safety standards
- Efficiency & Sustainability: Use updated technology and green practices
- Economic Development: Support revenue-producing growth opportunities
CIP Program Overview
delaware Memorial bridge (DMB)
The main bridge facilities of the DRBA consist of the Twin Spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge (DMB), three (3) miles of approach roadways with sixteen (16) bridge structures, administration, maintenance and toll buildings, and all necessary appurtenances. On August 16, 2026 the First Span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge celebrates its 75th Anniversary, and the ribbon cutting for the $89m Ship Collision Protection System.
DRBA Ferries
DRBA Ferries consist of two systems: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry (CMLF) and Forts Ferry Crossing (FF).
The CMLF has three (3) ferry vessels, two (2) marine terminals, approach roadways, one (1) bridge structure, administration, maintenance and public buildings, and all necessary appurtenances.
Forts Ferry Crossing includes one (1) passenger-carrying marine vessel and three (3) marine docking facilities, one each in Delaware City, DE; Fort Mott, NJ; and Pea Patch Island, DE.
dRBA Airports
There are five DRBA-operated airports: Wilmington Airport ILG, the Civil Air Terminal, and the Delaware Airpark in Delaware plus Cape May and Millville Airports in New Jersey.
Projects are carried out in several phases in concert with established Airport Layout Plans Master Plans, environmental and economic development considerations, and in some cases, funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
capital Goals
The DRBA evaluates all capital projects with the following five goals in mind:
Asset Preservation
The responsible stewardship of critical regional infrastructure through the preservation of assets necessary to retain its existing value and maximize its useful life.
Efficiency & Sustainability
Increase operating efficiencies through the construction of sustainable infrastructure utilizing best available technologies and management practices.
Safety
Maintain or enhance safe and reliable infrastructure of our customers
Security
Enhance the security of critical regional infrastructure in coordination with regional safety agencies.
Economic Development
Support revenue producing growth through controlled investment in economic development opportunities.
Project Timelines
Capital Improvement projects generally occur in phases over multiple years. The DRBA Strategic Plan serves as a planning tool for directing resources to address the goals above over the next five years to consistently maintain and enhance the Authority's facilities and address the increasing demands associated with an aging infrastructure. Implementation of the Strategic Plan will assure the public continues to enjoy quality transportation services in a safe and efficient manner as well as intelligently maintain and enhance facilities as necessary.
Within each asset class, individual projects are further organized into the following classifications:
Project Classifications:
- Continuing: Projects which were previously authorized in the Capital Improvement Program and are scheduled to continue in 2026.
- Annual: Projects which require yearly authorization to continue.
- New: Projects which have not been authorized in a prior Capital Improvement Program and are seeking authorization in 2026.
- Out Year: Projects which will be seeking authorization in a future Capital Improvement Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DRBA Capital Improvement Program?
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a multi-year plan for maintaining, improving and investing in the Authority’s transportation infrastructure. Projects are designed to preserve existing assets, improve safety and efficiency, support sustainability and security, and contribute to economic development in Delaware and New Jersey.
What facilities are included in DRBA capital projects?
DRBA capital projects cover transportation facilities throughout Delaware and New Jersey, including the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Forts Ferry Crossing and five DRBA-operated airports. Projects may involve bridges, roadways, ferry vessels and terminals, airport facilities and other supporting infrastructure.
How does the DRBA prioritize capital improvement projects?
The DRBA evaluates capital projects based on five primary goals: asset preservation, efficiency and sustainability, safety, security, and economic development. These priorities help guide investments intended to maintain and enhance the region's transportation infrastructure.
How long do DRBA capital projects take to complete?
Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of each project, and many capital improvement projects are completed in phases over multiple years. The DRBA organizes projects as continuing, annual, new or out-year projects as part of its Capital Improvement Program and long-term planning process.
Where can I find current and upcoming DRBA capital projects?
Current and planned projects can be found in the DRBA’s Capital Improvement Program, which provides information about investments across its bridges, ferries and airports. Businesses interested in competitively bid opportunities can also review DRBA’s public solicitations through its procurement system.
