DRBA Commission Adopts 2024 Capital Improvement Program
In order to improve vital infrastructure in Delaware and New Jersey, the Delaware River and Bay Authority Commission has adopted the 2024 Capital Improvement Program. The Five-Year Strategic Plan contains one hundred and twenty major capital projects at several locations including at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (CMLF) and serves as a planning tool for long-term infrastructure needs and resource allocation.Â
Additional Information from the Delaware River and Bay Authority
The CIP includes the following major projects:
Ship Collision Protection â DMB: This project provides a protection system meeting current standards and consists of eight 80-foot diameter dolphin structures, two at the approach of each tower pier. Through 2023, the Authority has expended nearly $44 million on this project. It has an estimated DRBA cost of $25,240,000 in 2024 and $18,016,000 in the out years (2025-2028).
War Memorial Refurbishment- DMB: The project programs the design and restoration of the existing War Memorial. It will also add the names of all military personnel from Delaware and New Jersey who were killed in the Vietnam War and subsequent conflicts to the main monument. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $4,500,000 in 2024. This effort has no anticipated annual operating cost impact.
Annual Bridge Steelwork Repairs â DMB: This project makes miscellaneous steelwork repairs to preserve the bridge’s steelwork while maintaining safety and operational service levels. Work typically includes replacement of worn bearing assemblies, access platforms, maintenance of steel connections, installing new safety features, suspender rope replacement, and other items. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $6,200,000 in 2024 and $47,000,000 in the out years.
Annual Maintenance Bridge Span Painting â DMB: The annual bridge inspection report recommends continued repairs to the coating system of the Delaware Memorial Bridge to protect the structural steel on specific spans. The project will strip affected areas to bare metal and recoat with a 3âlayer protective overcoat system. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $8,338,000 in 2024 and $25,525,000 in the out years.
Cape May Approach Roads Rehabilitation â CMLF: Pavements at the toll approach are deteriorating and improvements are necessary to maintain expected levels of service at the Cape May Terminal. The project proposes the design and construction for roadway reconfigurations at the terminal entrance, improvements to the approach roads, and the replacement of Cape May highway signage. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $3.1 million in 2024 and $1.9 in the out years. The project is partially funded in the amount of slightly more than $2.4 million by the New Jersey DOT.
Annual Vessel Maintenance & Dry Docking- CMLF:The project programs annual capital expenditures for the three (3) vessels, particularly in areas that preserve these assets and improve passenger safety and operational reliability. Planned projects include but are not limited to: vessel shipyard dry dockings, purchase of life saving equipment, seating replacements, systems efficiency upgrades, generator overhauls, and miscellaneous improvements. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $3,305,000 in 2024 and $43,913,000 in the out years.
Beach Drive Improvements â CMLF: Beach Drive is presently a narrow twoâlane Lower Township owned road with no shoulders or dedicated pedestrian access. Improvements consist of widening the lanes, adding a protected pedestrian walk and bikeway, and street lighting. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $250,000 in 2024 and $1,250,000 in the out years.
New Vessel Design & Construction â CMLF: This project includes the design and construction to replace vessels in the ferry fleet. Design will include all stages of design for the new vessels from concept to final design. Project management/construction support will cover all emergent needs during contract bidding, construction, and postâconstruction. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $2,000,000 in 2024 and $107,130,000 in the out years. It is anticipated that the project will be partially funded with federal assistance.
Fender Replacements- CMLF: High strength fiberglass fender panels were installed during the late 1990s at both terminals to resist vessel impact along the bulkhead. These panels have reached the end of their service life and are being replaced with steel panels similar in shape and size. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $874,000 in 2024 and $936,000 in the out years.
Terminal Improvements- ILG: This project programs the cost to finalize design of the improvements as needed to expand and modify the terminal, including hold room capacity, and frontage improvements, as well as expand opportunities for improved customer service. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $1,951,000 in 2024 and $4,659,000 in the out years.
Hotel Demolition- ILG: The Authority has acquired control of a hotel adjacent to the Wilmington Airport terminal building, which it does not plan to operate. The project will demolish existing hotel buildings and provide for immediate temporary parking. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $2,847,000 in 2024 and $502,000 in the out years.
New Multi-Purpose Building- MIV: The existing terminal buildingâs layout and condition are not conducive to future terminal functions and the facility is poorly located. This project programs for the construction of a new multiâpurpose building located in a more optimal location for future expansion. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $50,000 in 2024 and $5,950,000 in the out years.
New Box Hangars â MIV: There is a need for additional hangars at the Millville Airport. The project programs the design and construction of new box hangars to address this demand. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $500,000 in 2024. The project is partially funded in the amount of approximately $1.5 million by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Third Multi-Tenant Building- WWD: Cape May Airport has experienced increased development and business interest. The Authority has constructed and fully leased two multiâtenant buildings, and there is demand for more. The project provides for the construction of an additional multiâtenant light industrial building to accommodate new tenancy requests. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $1,000,000 in 2024 and $4,341,000 in the out years.
Hangar Bank âFâ Construction- 33N: There is a need for additional hangars at the Delaware Air Park. The project programs the construction of additional box hangars to address this demand. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $578,000 in 2024. The project is funded in the amount of approximately $844,000 by the Federal Aviation Administration.
