AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 13, 2026
Bridge Collision Between New Jersey and Philadelphia Disrupts Traffic
On Thursday, November 12, 2026, a cargo ship struck the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge spanning the Delaware River, resulting in a significant traffic disruption between Palmyra, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. The incident, confirmed by Pennsylvania state Representative Ed Neilson, left the bridge inoperable, unable to close properly, and created major traffic backups on the Philadelphia side.
Details of the Incident
The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, a 3,659-foot (1,115-meter) long steel structure carrying Route 73 vehicle traffic, was hit by the cargo ship during the day. As a result, the bridge could not be closed, which immediately disrupted both vehicular and pedestrian crossings between the two states. The bridge normally accommodates three lanes of traffic—two towards Philadelphia and one towards New Jersey.
Traffic Impact and Bridge Closure
Estimates from 2025 indicated that the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge can support up to 76,200 vehicles per day. Following the collision, a recorded message from the Burlington County Bridge Commission, which is responsible for the bridge's operations and maintenance, informed the public that the bridge was closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic until further notice. The message stated that an update would be provided before the evening rush hour, but no further details were immediately available.
Casualties and Official Response
State Rep. Ed Neilson announced that no injuries resulted from the collision. Efforts to obtain more information from the Burlington County Bridge Commission on Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and only a recorded closure alert was provided.
Background and Bridge Condition
The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, which opened in 1929, continues to serve as a toll bridge and a critical connection between Palmyra, New Jersey, and the Tacony neighborhood in northeast Philadelphia. According to the Federal Highway Administration’s 2026 National Bridge Inventory data released earlier in the fall, the structure was rated in “fair” overall condition. Inspectors judged the bridge deck to be in good condition, while the substructure and superstructure were listed as fair. These ratings reflect its status ahead of the accident and the ongoing need for monitoring of bridge maintenance and repair in heavily used regional crossings.
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
Authorities and the bridge commission are expected to provide more information as it becomes available, particularly regarding the extent of the damage, the need for repairs, and timelines for possible reopening. Commuters and residents are advised to seek alternate routes and await further announcements before planning to use the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge corridor.
Source: abcnews.com.
