The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), an agency tasked with protecting and managing the natural resources, public health and outdoor recreational opportunities, recently awarded A-Del Construction a contract for the replacement of the Bancroft Bridge in Alapocas Run State Park.
The bridge has been closed since September 2021 when it was damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Ida floodwaters.
“This bridge is a critical connector at the heart of Wilmington and its closure has a great impact on the day-to-day lives of many people who live, work and visit this city,” DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin said. “We look forward to work beginning in October.”
Work will begin on the south side of the Brandywine Creek. Workers will demolish the existing bridge then build an abutment for the new, prefabricated bridge. Once completed, workers will repeat the process on the north side of the creek followed by the center section of the existing bridge.
Construction is expected to begin Oct. 1 and complete in April 2025.
The project is funded by a $2.7 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.
“The reopening of the Bancroft Bridge will benefit everyone who lives and visits the City of Wilmington,” said Gov. John Carney.