Conceptual drawing of the ramp.
The Delaware River Port Authority has wrapped up design on the Ben Franklin Bridge bicycle and pedestrian ramp. It will replace a stairway. Final design plans were submitted to NJDOT for project approval.
The next step is to put the project out to bid. DRPA is putting together the documentation for the bidding process and they are coordinating with utility companies to relocate any electric, gas, and fiber optic lines that need to be moved.
In the upcoming weeks, the project should be advertised for competitive bidding. DRPA will then conduct a vetting process to select a contractor. Once the winning bidder is selected and construction approvals are obtained the preparation for construction can begin. The construction of the ramp should take between 12 and 15 months. Bicycle and pedestrian traffic will be diverted to the north walkway during construction. There may also be some impacts on road and rail service as well.
The exact date for the start of construction is unknown, but we are confident that the project will be underway before the end of the year and we’ll be able to travel unencumbered between Philadelphia and Camden in 2018.