Wide Loads & Oversized Vehicles
Wide Loads and Oversized Vehicles Crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge
What Wide load and oversized vehicle Drivers Need to Know
Moving an oversized or wide load requires careful planning, and knowing what to expect at toll facilities is an important part of every trip. If your route includes the Delaware Memorial Bridge southbound, there is one rule every driver should know:
All wide loads and oversized vehicles must use Lane 13.
Lane 13 is the only toll lane at the Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Plaza designed to safely accommodate wide loads and oversized vehicles. Attempting to use any other toll lane can create a serious safety hazard, damage infrastructure, and delay traffic for everyone.
Call Ahead Before You Arrive
Whenever possible, drivers are encouraged to call the Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Plaza before arriving to let the Toll Supervisor know your oversized vehicle is on the way. While advance notice is not required, it helps our staff prepare for your arrival and keeps traffic moving safely and efficiently.
Toll Supervisor: 302.571.6373
Stay in the Right Lane
As you approach the southbound toll plaza, begin moving into the far right lane well before reaching the toll booths. Follow signs directing oversized vehicles to Lane 13.
Do not attempt to use any other toll lane.
Even if Lane 13 appears closed or unattended, continue to Lane 13 and stop safely. The lane will be staffed as needed, 24 hours a day, to accommodate oversized vehicles. A toll collector will come to assist you.
What Is Considered an Oversized or Wide Load?
Federal regulations generally define a wide load as a vehicle or combination of vehicles carrying a load that exceeds 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) in width, although permit requirements vary by state. For the Delaware Memorial Bridge permitting a vehicle in excess of 10 feet in width (120 inches) qualifies as a wide load and is required to use lane 13.
For operations at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, drivers should use Lane 13 whenever their vehicle or load:
- Requires an oversize permit
- Displays "Wide Load" or "Oversize Load" signs
- Uses escort or pilot vehicles
- Cannot safely pass through a standard toll lane because of its width
If there is any doubt about whether your vehicle will fit through a standard toll lane, use Lane 13 or call ahead for guidance before arriving. Call the Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Supervisor at 302.571.6373 for service 24/7.
Safety Comes First
The remaining toll lanes were designed for standard passenger vehicles and commercial trucks operating within normal legal dimensions. They do not provide sufficient clearance for wide loads or oversized vehicles.
Attempting to enter another lane can result in:
- Damage to your vehicle or cargo
- Damage to toll plaza equipment
- Traffic delays
- Potential injury to motorists or employees
Using Lane 13 helps protect your equipment, our employees, and everyone traveling across the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Plan Ahead for a Safe Crossing
Every oversized move depends on preparation. Before arriving at the Delaware Memorial Bridge:
- Review your permitted route.
- Call ahead if possible.
- Move into the far right lane early.
- Proceed directly to Lane 13.
- Wait for assistance if a toll collector is not immediately present.
By following these simple steps, drivers can help ensure a safe, efficient crossing while minimizing delays for themselves and other travelers.
the Delaware Memorial Bridge appreciates the professionalism of the commercial trucking industry and oversized load operators. Working together helps keep one of the region's busiest transportation corridors operating safely for everyone.
Frequently asked questions: Wide loads and oversized vehicles on delaware memorial bridge
Q: Which toll lane should wide loads use at the Delaware Memorial Bridge?
A: All wide loads and oversized vehicles must use Lane 13 when traveling southbound through the Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Plaza.
Q: What if Lane 13 looks closed?
A: Proceed to Lane 13 and stop safely. The lane is attended 24 hours a day for oversized vehicles, and a toll collector will assist you.
Q: Should I call before arriving?
A: Yes. Drivers are encouraged to call the Toll Supervisor before arriving so staff can prepare for your oversized vehicle. Advance notice is recommended but not required. Toll Supervisor: 302.571.6373
Q: What is considered a wide load?
A: In general, vehicles or loads wider than 10 feet (120 inches) are considered wide loads by the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Q: Can I use another toll lane if traffic is lighter?
A: No. Lane 13 is the only toll lane designed to safely accommodate wide loads and oversized vehicles. Using any other lane may result in damage, delays, or a serious accident.
Q: What if I'm unsure whether my vehicle will fit?
A: If you have any doubt, use Lane 13 or call the Toll Supervisor before arriving.
Q: Why does the Delaware Memorial Bridge require oversized vehicles to use Lane 13?
A: Lane 13 provides the clearance and operational procedures necessary to safely process oversized vehicles. The remaining toll lanes are not designed for vehicles exceeding standard legal dimensions.
Q: Is there anything else drivers should know before arriving?
A: Review your permitted route, call ahead if possible, move into the far right lane early, proceed directly to Lane 13, and wait for assistance if a toll collector is not immediately present.
bridge facts
Opened to the Public: August 16, 1951
Connecting: New Castle, DE and Pennsville, NJ
Overall Length: 3,650 Feet
Bridge Type: Twin Span Suspension Bridge
Initial Cost: $44 Million - First Span
Twin Span: Added 1968
Daily Crossings: 100,000 vehicles
Did You Know?
Fraternal, not identical…to the eye, the two spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge look identical. Most of the differences are the result of improved construction technology. In fact, the original span (heading to New Jersey) is one foot taller than the second span.
