Chemical Gas Leak Shuts Delaware Memorial Bridge

WILMINGTON, Delaware - The Delaware Memorial Bridge was shut down in both directions late Sunday afternoon on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority, which run the bridge linking New Jersey and Delaware, was requested to close down the bridge because of a chemical gas leak. The leak is coming from a production plant below the bridge, next to the northbound span, according to spokesman James Salmon.

Salmon did not know the extent of the leak or how long the bridge would be closed.

Northbound traffic on I-95 in Delaware had multi-mile delays approaching the bridge.  Traffic on the southbound side was delayed from both the Turnpike and I-295.

Travelers headed back to New Jersey can continue north on I-95 or 495 and go into Pennsylvania before crossing the Delaware River from the Commodore Barry Bridge. They can then rejoin the Turnpike at exit 3.

Southbound travelers can can also cross at the Commodore Barry Bridge and continue their trip south.