NEW CASTLE, Del. – Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that a third public hearing has been scheduled to discuss the goals and objectives of the proposed toll increase plan and detail the critical infrastructure investments required at the bi-state agency’s crossing facilities, the Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May – Lewes Ferry. 

This virtual public forum follows two public hearings held last week.  The first was held on October 8 on the main floor of the Vincent A. Julia Center adjacent to the Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Plaza.  The second public hearing followed two days later inside the Davidow Performing Arts Theatre at the Salem Community College. 

What:   The DRBA will hold a third virtual public hearing to inform our stakeholders of the goals and objectives associated with the two phased toll plan at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, detail vital capital infrastructure investments at the Authority’s aging and heavily utilized crossing facilities, provide information on the proposed new rate structure, and solicit public comment. 

Virtual: On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 12 noon, a virtual public hearing will be held via Microsoft TEAMS.  The meeting link is: Join the meeting now  The link is also available on the Authority’s website at www.drba.net/dmb-phased-toll-increase-proposal-2024.

Why:     In future years, revenue projections will be insufficient to provide borrowing capacity or cash revenue to fund necessary infrastructure investment projects, which are expected to cost more than $550 million over the next five years.  The following are some of the major capital projects planned at Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May – Lewes Ferry during the next several years:  Bridge Paint Removal and Recoating ($37.1 million); Suspension Rope Replacement ($11.5 million); Bridge Steelwork Repairs ($52.7 million); Worker Safety/Fall Protection ($11 million) Ship Collision Protection System ($30 million); Cashless Tolling ($21 million); Route 295 Bridge 1 Widening ($11.5 million); and New Vessel Program at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry ($60 million).