New Passenger Boarding Bridges on the Horizon for Ferry

CAPE MAY – Cape May Lewes Ferry officials announced that the installation of new passenger boarding bridges at the Cape May and Lewes terminal locations has begun. The project includes replacement of four (4) boarding bridges that connect the Lewes and Cape May terminals to the ferry vessels to allow for the loading and unloading of walk on passengers. The new passenger boarding bridges are comprised of a white stainless steel trusses with glass side panels and a blue standing seam roof, matching the existing terminal roof.
“We are very excited about the installation of new passenger boarding bridges at both the Lewes and Cape May terminals,” said Heath Gehrke, director of ferry operations. “The improved design will enhance the customer’s boarding processes, providing an experience not unlike boarding a modern cruise ship.”
Construction preparation work is underway in Lewes and is expected to begin in Cape May later this month, followed by a phased demolition of the existing tubes at both terminal locations. Construction activity will take place simultaneously at both terminal locations and the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2013. Gehrke noted that the final current existing passenger boarding bridge is expected to be removed at the end of October 2013.
For approximately one month – late October through the end of November – foot passengers will only be able to access the vessel via the vehicle bridges. “We are making every effort to minimize inconvenience to our customers from this construction activity,” said Gehrke. “It’s our plan is to make these improvements as quickly as possible.”
During the construction period, mobility-impaired passengers will have limited access on some vessels. Rather than going to the terminal building for instructions on loading, passengers should go to the toll booth for directions during this time. Passengers are encouraged to call the ferry’s Guest Services Center at 800-643-3779 for more information.
The cost of the infrastructure improvement project is approximately $4.25 million, according to Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Executive Director Scott Green. When completed, the DRBA, which operates the ferry, will have invested more than $10 million in the Cape May, New Jersey and Lewes, Delaware areas during the past two years to complete three major construction projects at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry operation, including the Sandman Blvd. Rehabilitation, Interior Vessel Renovations and New Passenger Boarding Bridges.
The prime contractor, JP Group, Inc. of Blackwood, New Jersey, will be responsible for all installation activities. The Barcelona based engineering firm TEAM Company completed the project design plans and fabricated the boarding bridges.