The bridge is dedicated as a memorial to Delawareans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and subsequent conflicts.
The two spans are structurally identical but were built nearly two decades apart to handle surging post-war traffic.
The clearance above the Delaware River is approximately 175 feet, allowing passage for large international shipping vessels.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority manages the bridge, representing a unique bi-state agency partnership.
The original span was designed by Othmar Ammann, a prominent engineer who also contributed to the George Washington and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges.
The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a twin-span suspension bridge system connecting New Castle, Delaware, to Pennsville, New Jersey, via Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 40. It serves as the primary gateway between the Delmarva Peninsula and the Northeast megalopolis, crossing the Delaware River. The first span opened in 1951, followed by a second, parallel span in 1968 to accommodate increased traffic volume. Each span reaches a length of 3,650 feet, with the total bridge complex measuring 10,765 feet. The structures are operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority. The bridge is a vital link for cargo and passenger transit, functioning as a major toll facility. As of July 2026, the bridge remains fully operational with routine maintenance ongoing.
Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, which provides a view of the bridge towers from the riverbank.
Keep exact change or a valid electronic toll tag ready, as it is a high-volume toll facility.
Check local traffic reports before crossing, as accidents on the bridge can cause significant delays due to limited alternate routes.
Avoid changing lanes while on the bridge spans, as the wind gusts and narrow lanes require strict attention.
Attempting to stop or pull over on the bridge structure; doing so is prohibited for safety and security reasons.
