The pedestrian walkway on the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge reopened Wednesday, writes Jeff Werner for the Patch.

This followed a four-month closure for a comprehensive rehabilitation project, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced.

The closure allowed workers to replace the old walkway’s 20-year-old slip-prone panels and faded railings with a quieter, slip-resistant system made of foam-core fiber-reinforced polymer panels. The bridge now features new railings that cast light directly onto the walkway, along with upgrades including a new electrical supply system, security cameras, and freshly painted trusses and cantilevered supports.

During the closure, pedestrians used a temporary walkway or a weekend-only free shuttle service. The shuttle service is now suspended with the walkway’s reopening.

The project encountered a delay due to an unforeseen structural issue in the bridge’s second span from the Pennsylvania side. A temporary stabilizing device, called a “friction collar,” was designed and installed to support the structure, allowing the walkway to open. However, a permanent repair to the structural joint will require a two-week bridge closure starting January 13, 2024. During this time, the Commission will reinstate the free shuttle service for pedestrians. Scheduling details will be announced later this month.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to resume traffic in both directions, marking a major milestone in the rehabilitation project.

Read more about the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge in the Patch.