NEW HOPE - The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced today that its annual bridge inspection process is now underway to evaluate the condition of the agency's transportation infrastructure and help engineers identify what the agency's capital improvement priorities should be.

Motorists may encounter brief delays at Commission toll-supported (non-toll) bridges while the inspections take place over the coming weeks and months.

To mitigate potential delays for the traveling public, the Commission is using alternating lane closures with flaggers to allow engineers to inspect the agency's river crossings. Full lane closures also may be employed at bridges that have more than two travel lanes. Any travel restrictions are limited to off-peak driving periods.

While much of the inspection work takes place out of sight to the public, lane restriction are necessary so engineers can gain access to areas below a bridge's road deck.

The annual inspections are being performed by the Commission's general engineering consultant, TranSystems of Paramus, N.J. This year's inspections will concentrate on the Commission's 13 non-toll bridges, many of which are two-lane truss bridges dating back 100 years or more.

The Commission performs bridge inspections on an annual basis, focusing on its seven toll bridges in odd-years and its 13 toll-supported (non-toll) bridges in even years. The inspections also assess the condition of the agency's other transportation facilities such as approach roadways and structures.

All lane closures associated with the inspection process are subject to change due to weather, emergency or traffic-related considerations. Motorists are asked to reduce their speed and use caution if they travel across a bridge or through a cordoned area being used for inspection purposes.