Bridge Commission Invites More Customers to Sign up for Nixle Alerts

Bridge Commission Marks Two Years Using Nixle

to Alert Motorists of Bridge Openings

Seeks to Exceed 5,300 Current Devices Signed Up

Palmyra — The Burlington County Bridge Commission wants more motorists who use their Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges to know about scheduled bridge openings and other traffic issues that may affect their commute.  Although 5,304 devices are currently signed up to receive the alerts via the well-known Nixle system, the Commission wants to make sure that all the motorists know about the free, time-saving convenience.

"This notification service has been a great success,” said Commission Chairman John Comegno, “but we’re sure there are more people out there who use our bridges who might not be aware of this service.” 

As part of that education process, banners will be displayed at the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges starting tomorrow.  Those signs will encourage motorists to see detailed information and instructions on the Commission’s website, www.bcbridges.org.

Customers can sign up to receive notices by email, text message, or both. They can also choose to receive messages related to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, the Burlington-Bristol Bridge, or both bridges. Messages have notified motorists about upcoming bridge openings, vehicular accidents, traffic issues, or planned construction work that may affect travel.

Because the bridges open “on demand” (upon vessels’ requests), advance notification isn’t always possible, but when adequate advance notice is provided, the Nixle system notifies registered users.  Notification to the Commission varies greatly so the timetable for notifications via Nixle varies accordingly.  

“We at the County level have been using Nixle for some time now and have found that it is a great tool for reaching our residents and keeping them informed,” said Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio, “I am glad to see the Bridge Commission expanding their efforts as we all try to best serve the people of Burlington County.”

The service is FREE of charge, both to the Bridge Commission and to the users (if the users’ cell phone carrier charges for text messages, users will incur that charge, but there is no “opt-in” or per-message charge imposed by the Bridge Commission).

Users can sign up at www.nixle.com, from the link provided on the Commission’s website, www.bcbridges.org, or by sending a text message to 888-777 (type “TACPAL” to receive alerts related to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge; type “BBBB” to receive alerts about the Burlington-Bristol Bridge).

“Offering the 80,000 people who cross our bridges every day no toll increase for the past 12 years has saved them money,” said Comegno, “and this notification system can save them time.”

About Nixle:

Nixle, LLC, is a community information service that alerts the public to public safety issues and community events via web, e-mail, and cell phone at no cost. Its authenticated service connects municipal agencies and community organizations to residents in real time, delivering information to geographically targeted consumers over their cell phones (via text messages), through e-mails and through Web access

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, assists Burlington County municipalities in economic development and community revitalization projects and extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $15.9 million dollars and garnered more than $16.1 million dollars in grant monies for municipalities.