Friends and neighbors,
I want to give you an update on several job-creating transportation projects underway in the 12th Senate District, thanks to the $1.4 billion Bond Bill passed by the Delaware General Assembly in 2022 – the largest infrastructure improvement and jobs creation act in Delaware history.
Below is a list of just some of the major Delaware Department of Transportation projects occurring in the 12th Senate District.
Be sure to click on the blue links for more information about each project.
Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12
DelDOT Project Update
Dragon Run Tide Gates Replacement
Project Description: This project will replace the existing tide gates, which have deteriorated and are no longer functioning properly, causing upstream flooding and negative environmental impacts to the marsh wetlands.
Project Phase: Design and Planning
Projected Construction Start Date: Fall 2025
Projected Construction Completion: 2026
Project Update: Design is complete. However, the project is on hold due to other projects in the area, in particular the Army Corp of Engineer’s work proposed for the St. George’s Bridge.
Lorewood Grove Road, Jamison Corner Road to Del. Route 1
Project Description: The area of New Castle County just below the C & D Canal is expected to experience added congestion and safety issues. This project will improve Lorewood Grove Road to add shoulders and a multi-use path on one side of the roadway from Jamison Corner Road to Del. 1.
Project Phase: Design and Planning
Projected Construction Start Date: 2026
Projected Construction Completion: 2027
Project Update: Design work is currently on hold as traffic projections related to the Southern New Castle County Transportation Improvement District are re-evaluated as part of a regular update. Design is progressing on an interim project to provide an improved pedestrian crossing between the communities of Canal View at Crossland and Crossland at the Canal, which is planned to be implemented in 2023.
Del. Route 1 widening, Del. 273 to the Roth Bridge
Project Description: Existing and future conditions in the area require DelDOT to address peak hour and seasonal traffic congestion, system connectivity, local access for residential developments, safety and emergency access. This project will identify and prioritize cost-effective short, mid-and long-term transportation infrastructure improvements along Del. 1 from the Roth Bridge to south of I-95 that reduce congestion and travel times and improve safety, while minimizing environmental impacts.
Project Phase: Design and Planning
Projected Construction Start Date: TBD
Projected Construction Completion: TBD
Project Update: Planning for the widening of Route 1, including various interchange improvements, has been ongoing. A project of this magnitude takes many years of planning, environmental approvals, public outreach, design, and ultimately construction. Fortunately, DelDOT has been able to implement several smaller-scale upgrades while the larger project continues through the process. A virtual public workshop was held on October 27, 2021 to present the recommended preferred alternative and updates to the noise study and other environmental efforts.
Del. 72 widening, McCoy Road to Del. 71
Project Description: This project will widen Del. 72 to four lanes, with bike lanes and sidewalks, and provide a center turn lane. These pedestrian improvements will enhance multi-modal transportation along the Del. 72 roadway by providing safety and operational improvements in the area.
Project Phase: Construction
Construction Start Date: March 2019
Projected Construction Completion: 2024
Project Update: Construction for the widening project is ongoing. The contractor is currently working in Phase 1 with all traffic pushed to the south while widening the future Route 72 northbound lanes . Additional information is available at SR72improvements.com.
School Lane Pathway
Project Description: The project proposes a 2,150-foot bike trail from Frenchtown Pike to School Lane within the city limits of New Castle. The path will act as a connector route to the Jack Markell Trail.
Project Phase: Design and Planning
Projected Construction Start Date: 2023
Projected Construction Completion: 2023
Project Update: Design is underway.