Because of an upcoming rehabilitation project, motorists won’t be able to use the New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge to travel to New Jersey for half of 2024.
The Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce is following news related to the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission’s project, which is set to begin in January, and working to keep its members abreast of developments.
At a chamber meeting this month, business owners came looking to figure out their next moves, as some say they believe Lambertville businesses will struggle because of the closure, which is expected to run from January to around Memorial Day.
During the closure all traffic coming from PA will be diverted upstream to the New Hope-Lambertville (Route 202) Toll Bridge, which is free into New Jersey. The pedestrian walkway is also expected to be closed from January to mid-April, according to the bridge commission.
The loss of vehicle and foot traffic for such an extended period of time is raising concerns for the business owners of Lambertville.
During the walkway closure, the commission will provide shuttle service to transport passengers. But there are still no confirmed routes or times for the shuttle.
The community of Lambertville is pushing the commission to reopen the walking path in time for its biggest event — Shadfest on April 20-21 — but some business owners say they fear they are not being heard.
Carolyn Gadbois, a new chamber board member and owner of Union Coffee on North Union Street, stressed the importance of showing up to spread the little information they’re receiving.
“As the months move forward, and (closures) start to affect our business, I feel we will get the metrics,” Gadbois said.
Some Lambertville chamber members say they feel as though they are still receiving little pieces of information and not specifics. Chamber officials said they are collecting the information to post on www.lambertvillechamber.com and to inform other businesses of a possible ripple-effect in the town coming next year.
A representative from Next to Normal CBD said “people don’t understand the significance of this effect,” noting that relatively few members of the business community attended the Nov. 8 meeting.
Chamber officials said they’d be seeking answers from the commission to their questions to reassure the business community and the future tourists who visit the area. These include specifics regarding signage for redirecting traffic and sufficient and timely communication from the bridge commission.
For information about the 2024 New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge Rehabilitation Project, visit https://www.drjtbc.org/project/newhopelambertville.
“Having a voice at the meeting is going to be really important,” Carolyn went onto say.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
