Langhorne, PA

DRJTBC Southern Operations and Maintenance Facilities Improvements

Client: Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission
Our Role: Architecture & Engineering Design

An exterior view of the DRJTBC Langhorne operations and maintenance facility.

Nestled along the banks of the historic Delaware River, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) is a bi-state agency that operates and maintains multiple bridges between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It plays a crucial role in regional infrastructure and economic development by ensuring the bridges connecting these two states remain safe and functional.

Behind the scenes of this seamless operation, the commission faced challenges at its former operations and maintenance facilities. It needed more space to accommodate equipment, vehicles, and staff. Facilities were old and outdated, leading to increased maintenance costs. In addition, the former facility did not meet modern standards and requirements, making it difficult to resolve critical infrastructure challenges and support operations without disruption.

These difficulties highlighted the need for a progressive, well-equipped, and adequately sized operations and maintenance facility that operates efficiently, supports comprehensive maintenance schedules, and reduces downtime.

In particular, the Southern Operations and Maintenance Facilities Improvement project is part of a multisite program to advance the DRJTBC’s mission. GFT is also leading the integrated design and architecture of the Trenton-Morrisville administration building, scheduled for completion in 2025.

GFT provided integrated architecture and engineering services to deliver an updated state-of-the-art Langhorne facility, including two buildings, adjoining parking areas, and ancillary service/equipment islands. Situated on a six-acre site, the new location is central to the DRJTBC’s two southernmost toll bridges, ensuring efficient access for maintenance operations to these two critical pieces of infrastructure.

The design of the new hub addresses the former facility’s space constraints and outdated infrastructure and boosts overall efficiency. It ensures that the bridges can be maintained efficiently and safely, supporting regional connectivity and economic development for years to come.

Key Features

A primary 45,000-square-foot building includes vehicle maintenance bays with lifts and overhead lubricant dispensing systems, vehicle and equipment storage bays, a wash bay, and a welding bay. It also includes common areas, such as meeting rooms, offices, locker and shower areas, and a kitchen. A partial second story and an open mezzanine provide storage for equipment and supplies. The design incorporates a steel superstructure with a masonry split-faced veneer finish on the building’s lower half and a corrugated metal-panel façade on the upper half.
A 7,000-square-foot, barn-style, 5,000-ton capacity salt-storage facility helps reduce the need for frequent deliveries. At the same time, an adjoining brine-mixing tank and a magnesium-chloride storage/dispensing station provide proper deicing facilities and resources.
A gas and diesel fueling island offers convenient access for refueling the maintenance vehicle fleet, ensuring they are always ready for operational duties.
Ample parking areas accommodate trucks, heavy equipment, and employee parking.

Outcomes

The improved facility enables the efficient management of everything from preventative maintenance activities to complex emergency repairs, including landscaping, grass cutting, roadway repairs, vehicle repairs, snow removal, brining, salting, and facility maintenance.
The strategic site location and comprehensive design enhance the commission’s ability to maintain critical infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and ensure service reliability for the region.
The secure, well-equipped facility also provides maintenance personnel with a safe and effective working environment.