Public Scoping Comment Period Has Ended

Events/News

Public Involvement

At key points throughout the Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives Analysis (WCBAA), outreach events will take place to present information and obtain input from motorists, pedestrians, residents, business owners, and other interested parties.

Information on these events will be posted on this website.

An email list of interested individuals is being compiled as part of this process. To be included (and to share comments/questions), please visit the website's contact portal, fill out the form, check the appropriate box for future updates, and hit the “Submit” tab.

Public Scoping Comment Period Summary

A Note of Thanks

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission extends appreciation to everyone who attended the Feb. 10 & 11 Public Scoping Open House sessions or submitted input during the accompanying public comment period for the Washington Crossing Bridge Alternatives Analysis (WCBAA). The Public Scoping Open House process fulfilled the following objectives:

  • Outlined the inherent structural and operational deficiencies with the current bridge;
  • Enabled the public to see car mirrors, bumpers, and other body parts severed from vehicles attempting to cross the bridge during recent months;
  • Apprised the public about the WCBAA’s purpose and need;
  •  Presented the various alternatives undergoing study and evaluation in the WCBAA process;
  •  Facilitated public interaction with the various individuals involved in the WCBAA;
  • Allowed the public to ask questions about the process and alternatives under study; and
  • Provided the public with an opportunity to submit comments and insights about the bridge, the various alternatives, and the WCBAA process.

Public Scoping Participation

269 different individuals registered as attendees for the two Public Scoping Open House sessions – at Upper Makefield, PA. on Feb. 10 and the Titusville section of Hopewell Township, N.J. on Feb. 11.

227 comment forms were received during the sessions or online forms and email submissions during a corresponding 30-day public comment period.

What We Heard

Comments submitted during the scoping period reflected a range of perspectives and priorities. Key themes included:

  • Preservation of historic resources and community character;
  • Traffic conditions, including concerns related to increased volume and heavy trucks;
  • Potential tolling considerations;
  • Bicycle and pedestrian access and connectivity;
  • Bridge safety and operational performance; and
  • Impacts on local businesses.

Input also reflected varying preferences for the alternatives under consideration including rehabilitation, replacement, maintaining existing conditions, and options focused on bicycle and pedestrian use.

Public Comments from the Scoping Period

Comments received during the public scoping period have been compiled and are available to view:

Comments from Scoping Period

What Happens Next

Public input will be considered alongside other factors to:

  • Refine the range of alternatives under consideration;
  • Identify key issues requiring further evaluation; and
  • Inform the criteria used to assess and compare alternatives

Public Scoping Open House Materials 

The materials below were shared at the WCBAA Public Scoping Open House and are provided here for reference. They include the informational handout, display boards presented at the meeting, and a copy of the comment form.

Public scoping is an early step in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process that helps define the scope of the environmental review. During this phase, the Commission gathers input to identify key issues, collect relevant data, refine the study purpose and need, develop reasonable alternatives, and consider potential mitigation measures.

These materials outline the study purpose and process, summarize existing conditions, and explain how the public can provide input during the scoping phase.

WCBAA Informational Handout

WCBAA Display Boards

WCBAA Public Comment Form

Opportunities for Public Involvement

Additional opportunities for public involvement are planned throughout the analysis, including:

  • A public open house following completion of the alternatives analysis
  • A public hearing following completion of the draft environmental document
  • Updates to the WCBAA website
  • Submitting comments or questions throughout the WCBAA via the contact portal

Information on future outreach events and comment opportunities will be shared on this website as the analysis progresses.