New bridge to span Christina River

Last Friday, state, local and federal officials gathered at the Wilmington Riverfront for the groundbreaking of a new multi-modal bridge over the Christina River.

“The construction of the Christina River Bridge will help continue the redevelopment of the Wilmington Riverfront,” said Gov. John Carney. “The Christina River Bridge will improve access to the attractions that already call the area home and encourage additional development on the south side of the river. Thank you to members of the General Assembly for supporting this investment.”

The bridge will span the east bank of the Riverfront near a brownfield that will be remediated as part of the project.

“Much of the federal portion of this project comes from an earmark,” Sen. Tom Carper. “Some think of that as a bad word, but in this case, this isn’t a bridge to nowhere. This is a bridge to economic vitality and transportation improvements, and that is why I am thrilled to be here today to celebrate its groundbreaking.”

The bridge will include two travel lanes and shoulders and a bicycle/pedestrian path. The path will extend from near Frawley Stadium to around Market Street.

“The bridge will be a critical connection between the west side or developed side of the riverfront and the southeastern section of Wilmington, which is one of the City’s last remaining larger areas of undeveloped land,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki.

Richard E. Peirson Construction of Woodstown, New Jersey was awarded the bid of $28 million. The project is expected to be complete by Summer 2019.