Crack forces closure of bridge connecting Pennsylvania, N.J. turnpikes

FLORENCE, N.J. — The Delaware River bridge connecting the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes is closed until further notice for emergency repairs to correct a structural problem.

The bridge was closed to traffic in both directions Friday afternoon after a crack was discovered in a critical steel component on the New Jersey side during a biennial bridge inspection, according to a New Jersey transportation spokesman.

New Jersey transportation officials advise motorists to use the Burlington-Bristol Bridge, Interstate 78 or the bridges in Trenton. Interstate 295 in New Jersey can be used to get to, or close to, those bridges and Route 13 in Pennsylvania.

State Department of Transportation spokesman Stephen Shapiro said it is not known how long it will take to repair the fracture, which was discovered on the top of an approach span truss Friday afternoon.

The 5.7-mile Pearl Harbor Extension of the New Jersey Turnpike connects the main turnpike stem to the Delaware River Turnpike Bridge into Bucks County, Pa. The bridge is co-owned by both states.