Take a trip across the historic Dingmans Ferry Bridge

It's a little narrow. A little bumpy. And it's a pivotal part of this community. The Dingmans Ferry Bridge connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey has been helping commuters and tourists get across the Delaware River for more than a century.

The span connects Pike and Sussex Counties in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a scenic 40 mile forested stretch along the Delaware River.

Your friendly neighborhood toll taker will take your payment by hand usually in cash, though credit cards are accepted. They are one part toll taker, one part greeter and you can expect to find them standing in the middle of the road in all sorts of weather.

Chris Siggia's been entertaining customers traveling across the bridge for 15 years. He's happy to say hello in one way or another in the few seconds he gets to talk to you, usually making time for the small talk about a pet dog in the car or how good your nails look.

He says, "I really like this bridge and the people. That's what makes it. A lot of people tell you your problems. You get to know them because you see them every day."

The historic landmark is one of the last privately owned toll bridges in the country. It's more than a bridge. It's a community waypoint where customers are greeted with a friendly face and can get driving directions and tourist destinations from the toll taker on staff.

EZ Pass is not accepted, and the current toll is $2 per car. If you're in a funeral procession or if you're clergy traveling to church, you will get an exemption. The toll booth is occupied 24 hours a day, except on Christmas. And bikes ride free!

The bridge is owned by about 65 individuals from across the country who are part of a group called Dingmans Choice and Delaware Bridge Company.

Carol Phillips is the Secretary Treasurer. She's proud of the role the bridge plays in the area's commerce and tourism.

She says, "What I really appreciate is that there are 65 owners and they're all over the country. They come back here once a year for our annual meeting, and I can see the love that they have for this bridge. It's part of their family's story and their family's history."

Many of the bridge employees get to know the commuters passing through on a daily basis. Carol says, "I hope that it gives them a smile on the way to work and a welcome home on the way back."

The bridge is closed for a couple of weeks each year for its annual safety inspections. The wooden deck is recycled every 5 or 6 years.

The pillars have been reinforced and guide rails introduced over the years, but most of the bridge retains its old charm.

Dingmans Ferry Bridge celebrated its 125 years of a vital river crossing for the communities in the area in 2025. It's a source of pride for the people who use it to get to work or home, hopefully for another 125 years.

Carol says, "the customers appreciate the toll collectors, and they really take some pride in having this be part of their community. So that helps me feel good about my role in that."

For more information on the history of the bridge, you can visit them at https://www.dcdbc.com.