Walt Whitman Bridge Suspension Spans & Deck Replacement

The Walt Whitman Bridge is a green-colored single-level suspension bridge spanning from Philadelphia to Camden County, overlooking the Delaware River. Original construction of the bridge began in 1953 and opened for traffic in 1957. With a total length of 11,981ft and a main span of almost 2,000ft the bridge has seven lanes, three in each direction, and a center lane that can be shifted to accommodate excessive traffic.

One of the largest bridges on the east coast would require a coating that could uphold against the harsh Northeast weather conditions.

With thousands of commuters traveling to and from their daily destinations, a paint application would not be able to provide the coating durability and sustainability needed to meet the bridges anticipated life cycle. One of the largest bridges on the east coast would require a coating that could uphold against the harsh Northeast weather conditions. The decision to galvanize the grid deck was agreed upon without argument; however, the original specification for the structural steel called for paint only. After some discussion it was determined a duplex coating system would allow for the bridge's original green-colored aesthetic as well as the coating protection needed to meet the life cycle of the Walt Whitman Bridge. Engineers decided to take advantage of the synergistic effects of a duplex system as it gave them the best corrosion control.