Dingmans Ferry — Nestled in this quaint community, the Dingmans Ferry Bridge stands as a vital yet modest passage, slightly narrow and a bit uneven. For over a hundred years, this bridge has facilitated the daily journey of locals and visitors alike, linking Pennsylvania and New Jersey across the scenic Delaware River.

Spanning between Pike and Sussex Counties, the bridge is situated within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a beautifully forested expanse stretching 40 miles along the river’s edge.

As you approach the bridge, you’ll be greeted by the friendly toll collectors who handle payments personally. While cash is the usual method, they do accept credit cards, offering a warm welcome as they brave all weather conditions, stationed right in the middle of the roadway.

Chris Siggia has been delighting travelers on this bridge for 15 years. In the fleeting moments of interaction, he cherishes the chance to exchange a friendly greeting, often engaging in light-hearted banter about a passenger’s pet or complimenting their manicure.

“I truly enjoy this bridge and the people,” Chris remarks. “That’s what makes it special. Many share their troubles with me, and because I see them daily, we really get to know each other.”

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