The Scudder Falls Toll Bridge Project, which connects Bucks County, PA, and Mercer County, NJ, and serves as a vital link in the local and regional transportation network, was recently honored as “Bridge Project of the Year” by the March of Dimes Transportation Building Construction reception.
STV, as a subconsultant, provided design services for the widening and reconstruction of 2.2 miles of I-295 – a significant piece of the larger program to replace the 4.4-mile-long highway/bridge system. STV’s scope of work included a grade-separated interchange at Taylorsville Road, traffic analyses, and designs for highway drainage systems and two approach bridge replacements. Additionally, the firm designed infrastructure to support an all-electronic toll collection system, electronic-surveillance monitoring, roadway lighting, and intelligent transportation system facilities in Pennsylvania.
The original Scudder Falls Bridge opened to traffic in June 1961. After completion of New Jersey’s interstate highway approach in October 1974, the bridge rapidly became an important regional commuter link between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The bridge exceeded its useful service life and intended capacity by the turn of the century, necessitating replacement and a series of related highway and interchange improvements. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, which was assigned ownership of the functionally obsolete bridge in July 1987, pursued a five-year project to build a dual-span replacement bridge and transform the flanking highway corridor now signed as I-295.
William Brooks, P.E., vice president and business unit leader, led the design effort for STV.