The Burlington Bristol Bridge is an important and historic landmark, but have you ever wondered “How old is the Burlington Bristol Bridge?” This iconic bridge, which connects Burlington, New Jersey, to Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, was opened to the public back on May 2, 1931. It’s nearly 100 years old now, marking almost a century of service to the community. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into its history and discuss how this bridge has stood the test of time.
Knowing how old the Burlington Bristol Bridge is allows us to understand the significance it holds in the local area and its development over the years. It wasn’t just built to last a few decades; this bridge was designed to handle traffic and even have a lift span for boats passing underneath. Over the years, this bridge has become more than just a crossing—it’s a key part of the area’s history and transportation.
The History Behind the Burlington Bristol Bridge: How Old Is It Really?
The Burlington Bristol Bridge opened on May 2, 1931. That makes it nearly 100 years old! Over the years, the bridge has helped thousands of cars and trucks cross the Delaware River. Its unique design includes a lift span that allows ships to pass through. This is what makes the bridge so special.
Over the decades, the Burlington Bristol Bridge has had its ups and downs. It has been repaired, upgraded, and worked on to keep it safe for drivers. But even though it’s very old, it still stands strong today.
Fun Facts About the Burlington Bristol Bridge You Might Not Know
The Burlington Bristol Bridge isn’t just a way to get from New Jersey to Pennsylvania—it’s also full of interesting facts that many people don’t know! From its design to its history, this bridge has some hidden gems that make it stand out.
- It’s a Truss Bridge: The Burlington Bristol Bridge is a truss bridge, which means it has a framework of triangles to help support heavy loads. This type of design is not only strong but also efficient for keeping the bridge stable.
- A Vital Connection: It plays a critical role in local transportation, helping people travel between Burlington, New Jersey, and Bristol Township, Pennsylvania.
- It’s Seen a Lot of Changes: Over its long history, the bridge has undergone multiple repairs and upgrades to keep it running smoothly. In fact, its lift span has been carefully updated over time to ensure it works as intended, even after nearly 100 years.
These fun facts show how much history and engineering go into the Burlington Bristol Bridge, and why it’s such an important part of the local community.
How Has the Lift Span of the Burlington Bristol Bridge Worked Over Time?
One of the most interesting features of the Burlington Bristol Bridge is its lift span. The lift span can be raised to allow large ships and boats to pass through the Delaware River. This feature has been crucial for ensuring that both road and water traffic can coexist. But how does it actually work?
- The lift span is 540 feet (164.6 meters) long, making it one of the larger movable spans in the area.
- The center span is lifted by two large concrete slabs that are heavier than the lifted span. These slabs use gravity to help lift the span without needing much power from the motors.
Over the years, the mechanism has been updated to ensure that it remains safe and efficient. In 2016, the addition of traffic signals and gates made the operation smoother. When the lift span is raised, these signals let drivers know to stop, which reduces traffic confusion.
Challenges in Maintaining the Burlington Bristol Bridge: A Look at Its Age
Maintaining a bridge that is nearly 100 years old is not an easy task. The Burlington Bristol Bridge faces many challenges as it continues to age, and regular inspections and repairs are crucial. Because the bridge is used by thousands of cars each day, keeping it in good condition is a top priority.
- Regular maintenance: The bridge undergoes inspections and repairs to ensure it remains safe for travelers.
- Cost of upkeep: The longer a bridge stands, the more expensive it can be to repair. With its age, the Burlington Bristol Bridge requires ongoing attention to remain functional.
However, the bridge is designed to handle the challenges of time. Its truss design and lift span feature have proven to be incredibly sturdy, and engineers continue to find ways to keep it operational despite its age.
Toll Information for the Burlington Bristol Bridge: Current Rates and Updates

If you’re driving across the Burlington Bristol Bridge, it’s important to know that there is a toll for vehicles crossing into Pennsylvania. As of September 15, 2015, the toll rates were updated, and here’s the current information:
- Cars: $4.00 for a single crossing
- With E-ZPass: $3.00 for a single crossing
These tolls help maintain the bridge and keep it in good condition. The addition of E-ZPass makes it easier for drivers to pay without needing to stop at the tollbooth. The toll collection helps fund ongoing repairs and upgrades to the bridge, ensuring that it continues to serve travelers.
When Did the Burlington Bristol Bridge Begin Construction?
Construction for the Burlington Bristol Bridge started on April 1, 1930. The builders worked hard for over a year before the bridge was finished. It opened for traffic in 1931, just over a year after work began.
This bridge was designed with the goal of making transportation easier for people who needed to cross the Delaware River. Before it was built, traveling between New Jersey and Pennsylvania was much more difficult. Thanks to the bridge, it’s now easy to get from one state to the other in just a few minutes!
What Makes the Burlington Bristol Bridge Unique?
The Burlington Bristol Bridge is unique because it has a lift span. This part of the bridge can lift up so large boats and ships can pass underneath. It’s one of the features that set the bridge apart from others.
- The lift span is 540 feet (164.6 meters) long.
- The bridge is 2,301 feet (701 meters) long in total.
- It was designed to carry heavy traffic, including trucks and buses.
Not many bridges have this kind of feature, and it has helped make the Burlington Bristol Bridge an important part of the local area.
How Has the Burlington Bristol Bridge Changed Over the Years?
Over the years, the Burlington Bristol Bridge has had a few updates. One of the most recent changes was the addition of traffic signals and barrier gates in 2016. These help stop traffic when the lift span is raised.
Before these updates, traffic would back up as drivers waited for the bridge to lift. But now, with signals and gates in place, it’s easier for drivers to know when they will need to stop.
What’s Next for the Burlington Bristol Bridge? New Proposals for a Modern Structure

Though the Burlington Bristol Bridge has served its purpose for almost a century, there have been talks about building a new bridge. Some proposals suggest extending the access ramp to connect to U.S. Route 130. However, this would result in destroying historic buildings and a large industrial park nearby.
Building a new bridge could make the area even more accessible, but it’s also a difficult decision because of the impact on the environment and history.
Conclusion
The Burlington Bristol Bridge is more than just a bridge; it’s a part of history. It has helped people travel across the Delaware River for nearly 100 years. Even though it has changed a bit over the years, the bridge still plays an important role in the local community.
Looking forward, it’s clear that the bridge will continue to serve its purpose for years to come. Whether it stays in its current form or gets a new design, it will always be an important landmark. The Burlington Bristol Bridge is a reminder of how technology and engineering can help communities grow and stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: How old is the Burlington Bristol Bridge?
A: The Burlington Bristol Bridge is nearly 100 years old, as it opened in 1931.
Q: When did construction of the Burlington Bristol Bridge begin?
A: Construction started on April 1, 1930, and the bridge opened to traffic on May 2, 1931.
Q: What makes the Burlington Bristol Bridge special?
A: The Burlington Bristol Bridge is unique because it has a lift span that allows ships to pass through.
Q: Are there any tolls on the Burlington Bristol Bridge?
A: Yes, as of September 15, 2015, the toll is $4.00 for cars, or $3.00 with E-ZPass.
Q: Will the Burlington Bristol Bridge be replaced?
A: There have been proposals to build a new bridge, but it would require significant changes to the area and historic buildings.