March 12, 2018 — It’s the busiest month for crossing the Delaware in years.
The river crossing is an annual event in the city of Wilmington, and the last time it was this busy was in May of 2019.
As of March 31, the number of crossing incidents was at its lowest point in years, with just 3 crossing incidents in March.
However, that number could rise in the coming months, as a new survey shows that Wilmington residents are more likely to cross the river at night and weekends than during the week.
“People have been crossing the river a lot, particularly during the weekends, so it’s an issue,” said Matt Cavanaugh, a spokesman for the Delaware Department of Transportation.
“We want people to stay safe and be respectful.”
The crossing, which spans the river in Wilmington, Delaware, is one of several major events that take place on the river every year, including weddings, reunions, and parades.
The Delaware River Crossing is one way that people get around the city, but a new poll by The Wilmington Times and The Washington Post shows that most people have never crossed the river.
“There are a lot of different reasons why people cross the Delaware at night,” Cavanaugh said.
“I’m just not sure if that’s something that the city has really been talking about.”
One of the biggest concerns is the threat of falling debris from the river crossing.
Wilmington residents have been advised to be prepared for the risk of falling branches and other items as they cross the bridge.
“The number one thing I hear from people is, ‘I’ve been crossing it and I think it’s unsafe,'” Cavanaugh added.
“And the reason they think it is unsafe is because people are getting too close to the river and getting their heads stuck in the water.”
Cavanaugh also says that the new survey will show that more people are crossing the bridge at night, with the highest number of crossings happening during the morning hours.
“What people don’t know is the water level is about to rise and the water is getting deeper,” he said.
For the next several weeks, the Wilmington River Crossing will be closed to traffic, including for the parade.
However during this time, Wilmington residents can cross the crossing on foot or on a bike.
“It’s going to be a little bit different for the pedestrian, but we have a bike path, so that is going to make it easier for people to get on the bike and walk,” Conda said.
