KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) provided comprehensive project management, public involvement, engineering design, and construction administration services for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Interstate 78 Toll Bridge Pennsylvania approach facilities for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC). KSE managed all aspects of project coordination, agency liaison, schedule and budget oversight, quality management, and stakeholder communications throughout the assignment. The firm also developed and implemented a comprehensive Public Participation Program, prepared preliminary and final engineering designs, developed contract documents, and provided full engineering support during bidding and construction, including submittal reviews, responses to Requests for Information, change order evaluations, field support, and preparation of final as-built load ratings.
The project involved the rehabilitation and modernization of the Pennsylvania approach roadway to the Interstate 78 Toll Bridge, improvements to the Welcome Center, and rehabilitation of parapets on both the main river crossing and approach bridge structures. As one of seven toll bridges owned and operated by the DRJTBC, the Interstate 78 Toll Bridge serves as a critical transportation link between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, requiring careful planning to minimize impacts to the traveling public while extending the service life of the facility.
The engineering effort began with comprehensive field investigations, condition assessments, and detailed inspections of the bridge structures, roadway approaches, utilities, lighting systems, noise barriers, and other roadway appurtenances to verify existing conditions and validate historical as-built information. KSE prepared detailed base mapping compatible with MicroStation and advanced the project through concept development, preliminary engineering, final design, and post-design services. Construction documents included roadway geometry, grading and drainage improvements, utility coordination, traffic control and construction staging plans, erosion and sediment control measures, structural rehabilitation details, and technical specifications prepared in accordance with PennDOT Publication 408, FHWA guidance, and applicable NJDOT standards where appropriate.
Recognizing the importance of public outreach, KSE implemented an extensive stakeholder engagement program that identified affected agencies, elected officials, businesses, and community representatives. Public information meetings and open house presentations were conducted to communicate project objectives, gather public input, and maintain transparency throughout the design process.
Following design completion, KSE continued to support the Commission through procurement and construction by participating in pre-bid meetings, evaluating contractor bids, reviewing shop drawings and material submittals, attending progress meetings, responding to field issues, preparing design revisions as necessary, and providing construction engineering support through project closeout.
The project’s outstanding engineering, innovation, and successful delivery were recognized with two prestigious industry honors: the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACEC NJ) Award for Engineering Excellence and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania (ACEC PA) Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence.
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