DELAWARE CITY, DELAWARE (8/5/2016) The Route 9 bridge across the Delaware City Branch Canal will be closed for construction for about five months beginning Sept. 6, authorities announced Thursday.
The $3 million demolition and replacement of the bridge will force a detour of about 14 miles.
The bridge on Route 9, also known as Fifth Street, was originally built as a drawbridge in 1933 but was converted to a fixed bridge in 1971.
The main span is 89 feet long and the overall bridge length is 177 feet, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The corps has hired R.E. Pierson Construction Co. of New Jersey to do the work, which is expected to be completed by February 2017.
Traffic will be detoured via Clinton Street, Cox Neck Road, Clarks Corner Road, U.S. 13, Pole Bridge Road, Port Penn Road, Thorntown Road and West Market Street in Port Penn.