Commodore Barry Bridge

Commodore Barry Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge spanning the Delaware River, connecting Chester, Pennsylvania to Bridgeport, New Jersey. Named after Revolutionary War naval hero John Barry, it is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world.

History

The bridge opened on February 1, 1974, after nearly seven years of construction. It was built to relieve traffic congestion on the Walt Whitman Bridge and provide a southern crossing for the growing Delaware Valley region.

Design

The Commodore Barry Bridge features:

• Main span of 1,644 feet
• Total length of 14,572 feet (2.76 miles)
• Four lanes of traffic (two in each direction)
• Cantilever truss design
• Height of 175 feet above the water

At the time of construction, it had the longest cantilever span in North America.

Namesake

The bridge is named for Commodore John Barry (1745-1803), an Irish-born naval officer considered the "Father of the American Navy." Barry commanded several ships during the Revolutionary War and was the first officer commissioned in the U.S. Navy.

See Also

• Walt Whitman Bridge
• Benjamin Franklin Bridge
• Delaware Waterfront