More Travel Delays, Closures Expected For Scudder Falls Bridge

NEWTOWN, PA — More lane and ramp closures are scheduled for next week to achieve a Dec. 15 completion date for the Scudder Falls Bridge Replacement Project.

However, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission said only minor travel impacts are expected.

Drivers should look out for the following travel restrictions:

• Continuing weekday closures of the Route 29 southbound bypass lane that crosses beneath the Scudder Falls (I-295) Toll Bridge with traffic diverted through nearby service ramps and roundabouts at the I-295/Route 29 interchange (Exit 76). When implemented, this lane closure will be in effect 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will enable work crews to install guiderails and asphalt.
• Continuing around-the-clock closure of the NJ Route 175 entry ramp to I-295 southbound. This long-term ramp closure is currently scheduled to end by Wednesday, Dec. 8 – weather permitting.
• Daytime closures of Route 175/Upper River Road to through traffic in the vicinity of the I-295 approach bridge over Route 175, the Delaware & Raritan Feeder Canal, and the Route 29 northbound bypass. The closures would be implemented 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Affected motorists are advised to use nearby Route 29 as a detour route; access will be maintained for local residences. The travel restriction will enable workers to complete various tasks on the overhead I-295 approach bridge.

The full schedule of currently scheduled possible project-related travel restrictions for the week of Dec. 5 is as follows:

New Jersey side

• I-295 NB and the Scudder Falls Toll Bridge (PA-Bound) – Possible off-peak lane closures 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.
• I-295 SB – Possible off-peak lane closures 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.
• Route 29 SB Bypass Lane – Daytime closures with traffic diverted through adjacent interchange roundabouts, connector lane and ramps, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10. (Diversion route map attached.)
• Route 29 NB Bypass Lane – Possible short-term flagging and stoppages 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.
• I-295/Route 29 interchange ramps – Possible flagging/slowdowns for striping 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6 to Friday, Dec. 10
• Route 175/Upper River Road – Daytime with detour via nearby Route 29 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.
• Route 175/Upper River Road entry ramp to I-295 SB – Continuing 24/7 closure. DETOUR: Use the southern roundabout at the nearby I-295/Route 29 interchange to access the on-ramp for I-295 SB. (Diversion route map attached.) (UPDATE: This closure is now projected to end on or about Dec. 8, weather permitting.)

Pennsylvania side

• I-295 WB – Possible off-peak lane closures 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.
• I-295 SB and the Scudder Falls Toll Bridge NJ-Bound – Possible off-peak lane closures 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.
• Taylorsville Road – Right or left lane closures and/or flagging 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. (next day) Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.
• I-295/Taylorsville Road interchange ramps – Possible flagging/slowdowns for striping 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6 to Friday, Dec. 10
• River Road/PA Route 32 – Brief traffic stoppages possible in the vicinity of where River Road/PA Route 32 crosses beneath the Scudder Falls (I-295) Toll Bridge, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, to Friday, Dec. 10.

All scheduled travel restrictions are subject to change due to weather, emergencies, traffic, and equipment/materials mobilization. Drivers are urged to allow extra time to reach their destinations, reduce speeds and exercise caution when travelling through project work areas.

Weekends – Aside from the current continuous closure of the Route 175 access ramp to I-295 SB in New Jersey, no other project-related lane closures are scheduled for the weekends of Dec. 4-5 and 11-12.

More information on the Scudder Falls Bridge Replacement Project is available online.