Maintaining a major urban bridge is no small job, especially one as vital as the Commodore Barry Bridge.
Spanning the Delaware River and connecting Chester, Pa., to Bridgeport, N.J., this heavily traveled structure supports nearly 15 million vehicles annually through the Philadelphia region.
Named after Revolutionary War hero Commodore John Barry of Philadelphia, the bridge stretches 2.6 mi., making it the fourth longest cantilever bridge in the world. Soaring nearly 200 ft. above the Delaware River, the bridge has served the region since construction began in 1969.
Over the decades, it has undergone multiple cycles of repair and maintenance to ensure its long-term safety and performance. In January 2025, the Delaware River Port Authority (DPRA) awarded Skanska the latest phase of this ongoing effort, a $220 million contract for Phase Three painting and structural rehabilitation. The project is designed to extend the life of the bridge and enhance the overall experience for the millions who rely on it each year. Completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028.
How Work Gets Done
Skanska photo
A project of this scale demands engineering and extensive preplanning, much of it focused on protecting both workers and motorists.
"Safety is our number one priority," said Rebecca Clark, vice president of operations of Skanska USA Civil, the general contractor managing the work. "We're relying on skilled union craft workers who are experienced and comfortable working at height."
To ensure worker safety, crews are constructing temporary platforms underneath the bridge to prevent any materials from falling into the river. Additional platforms above the roadway provide safe access to the bridge's highest points.
During the painting phase, containment systems will be installed to capture debris and spent material as old paint is removed. The bridge will then be recoated with a premium Sherwin-Williams system, specifically engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of the region's climate.
To address structural needs, the team will refurbish, restore and replace vibration absorbers on the bridge's vertical columns. They also will clean and repaint the steel barriers and overhead gantries, while reinforcing stringers and bearings to maintain long-term integrity. Additional work includes repairing concrete piers and replacing any deteriorated steel reinforcement bars.
Wind is another major consideration in the project.
"Our team will be replacing the wind pin, which stabilizes the structure while still allowing for necessary lateral movement," said Clark.
The rehabilitation also includes upgrading several electrical systems. A subcontractor will install new conduits alongside the existing ones, replacing approximately 14,000 linear ft. of electrical conduit and wiring.
After painting and repairs are complete, the construction team will apply epoxy coatings followed by a final layer of polyurethane to shield the structure from ice, salt and rain. Without this protection, these elements would cause ongoing deterioration to both the bridge and roadway. Finally, the concrete bridge deck will undergo repairs to enhance its durability.
Rehabilitation By the Numbers
• 60,000 lbs. of steel
• 8,300 high-strength bolts
• Truss strengthening for 44 truss members
• Structural steel repairs on 251 girders
• Temporary bracing for 383 handrails
• Vibration absorbers 112
• Eye-shaped bolt vibration absorbers 816
Standard Tools
The team is using a combination of traditional tools and new technologies to maximize efficiency and safety.
Skanska photo
"We're using drones to quickly identify areas in need of repair," said Clark. "These drones can reach spots up to 80 feet in the air, places that would otherwise be dangerous for workers to inspect directly."
To address repairs, crews rely on battery-powered tools to eliminate tripping hazards posed by electrical cords and air hoses. Other equipment is powered by reusable diesel, aligning with Skanska's commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship.
In addition, the team is designing a jacking and temporary support system to safely lift sections of the bridge for structural steel and stringer bearing repairs.
Managing traffic flow during construction is always a challenge on a bridge of this size. Skanska has a dedicated maintenance and protection of traffic crew responsible for lane closures. Their work includes monitoring traffic patterns and ensuring that signs, vehicles and barriers are correctly positioned to protect both the public and the construction team. This coordination allows crews to work safely while minimizing disruptions to daily travel. CEG
