The highly anticipated reopening of the St. Georges Bridge, located along Delaware Route 13 and spanning the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, is approaching completion after being closed for nearly 18 months. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District, which manages the bridge, says that the repair project is nearing its final stages, with an expected reopening in October 2024.
Originally constructed in 1941, the St. Georges Bridge has undergone a significant $45.8 million renovation. The project, which began in April 2023, involved the demolition and replacement of the bridge’s decking, median barriers, and drainage systems, along with upgrades to the bridge approaches and structural features. This large-scale effort, funded by federal Energy and Water appropriations, aimed to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this key transportation link in New Castle County.
J.D. Eckman, Inc., the contractor awarded the project, has made substantial progress, completing several key milestones and some of the pre-final inspections. However, the final stages of work, which are weather-dependent, remain ongoing. According to a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the bridge should reopen in October, though an exact date has not yet been confirmed.
The bridge closure, which has disrupted traffic along Route 13 and forced motorists to use alternate routes such as the Roth Bridge on Delaware Route 1, is expected to relieve traffic congestion once reopened. Local residents and businesses are eager to see the end of the detours that have been in place since the repairs began.
