PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Washington Crossing Toll-supported bridge is a six-span double warren truss steel bridge that crosses from Upper Makefield, PA into Hopewell, NJ. However, it is a very tight bridge with short clearance, not allowing two lanes of traffic to cross efficiently or being able to heavy loads to cross the bridge. On the New Jersey side, the bridge crosses onto Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, which intersects Route 29 within a few seconds of entry in the Garden State. With tight maneuverability and low visibility around the bridge, it can be potentially dangerous for vehicles travelling through the intersection. To preserve the historical bridge, our team has been tasked to implement a new adjacent bridge and redesigning the road pattern on both sides of the bridge to ensure optimal safety, functionality, and serviceability.

Preliminary Design

Victor Mazariegos met with one of the team advisors, Dr. Al-Omaishi, to decide how to start with designing the bridge. A new bridge will be designed parallel to the existing bridge as to not infringe upon the historic preservation of the original bridge. The new bridge will bear a cross-section similar to the figure above to accommodate two ample lanes of traffic as well as a sidewalk.