NEW CASTLE, Del.  – Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) police officials announced that additional patrol units will be assigned to the approaches of the northbound and southbound spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.   The campaign, which is expected to begin late next week, seeks to encourage seat belt use and reduce aggressive driving on the Delaware Memorial Bridge.  Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes.

“The safety of the traveling public, on-site highway contractors, and our employees is the agency’s highest priority,” said Lt. Jason Lamora, Delaware Memorial Bridge Troop Operations Officer.  “Aggressive driving is a leading cause of accidents and motor vehicle fatalities on the highways.  This pro-active operation is designed to reduce instances of aggressive driving and enhance safety on the Delaware Memorial Bridge and its approaches.”

This initiative will position additional police units and patrols to monitor the area for unsafe driving behavior.  Directed patrols are designed to promote safe travel, educate the public on the importance of seat belts, and reduce the number of aggressive driving situations on the road before the potential for injury or damage ensues. 

Lamora noted that the posted speed on the Delaware Memorial Bridge is 50 mph and is 20 mph on the approach to the southbound toll plaza.  DRBA police units will be operating radar and patrolling the spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.  Traffic citations will be issued to drivers who operate a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner.  

Lamora added that the Twin Spans do not have shoulders and lanes are frequently closed due to construction.  “It is imperative that drivers pay close attention to lane closures on the Bridge,” Lamora remarked. “We will not tolerate motorists who disregard the red X and drive in that lane.”

In a related matter, all construction activity on the Delaware Memorial Bridge will be suspended for the Labor Day holiday weekend.  All lanes will be open to traffic beginning on Friday, August 29 at 6:00 a.m. 

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.