The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission was established in December 1934 to ensure the safe, dependable and efficient travel of residents and commerce between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is a bistate agency established in December 1934 by legislation enacted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey.  The Commission operates under a compact authorized by the United States Congress in August, 1935. The compact empowers the Commission to acquire, construct, administer, operate and maintain bridges in a 139-mile jurisdiction along the Delaware River between the two states.

The Commission is a self-funded organization that receives no federal or state tax dollars.  Funding for the operation, maintenance and upkeep of its bridges and other structures is solely derived from revenues collected at its toll bridges.

The Commission currently operates 7 toll bridges and 13 non-toll bridges -- two of which are pedestrian-only facilities.  The Commission's territorial jurisdiction extends from the Philadelphia-Bucks County line to the New Jersey/New York state border. There are three jurisdictional exceptions: the bridges owned by the Burlington County Bridge Commission, the bridge linking the two state turnpikes, and the Dingman's Ferry Bridge, which is privately owned. In addition to its 20 Delaware River crossings, the Commission owns and operates an additional 32 approach structures (smaller overpass/underpass type bridges) throughout its river region.

A major change to the bistate compact came in 1984 when the two states charged the Commission with assuming full financial responsibility for the non-toll bridges within its jurisdiction. Prior to that time, the costs of operating and maintaining the non-toll bridges were financed by appropriations from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey through state-levied taxes. Since toll revenues currently provide the sole source of support, the Commission now refers to these bridges as toll-supported bridges.

A board of 10 commissioners -- five from each state -- governs the Commission. The New Jersey members are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate for three-year terms.  The Pennsylvania members are appointed by the governor and serve at his pleasure.

The commissioners meet monthly to review reports, provide oversight and set policies carried out by the Executive Director and professional staff. Standing committees on Finance, Human Resources, Projects & Property, and Professional Services include membership from both states as assigned by the Commission Chairman. The Commissioners serve without compensation.

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