The first project related to the upcoming I-95 corridor rehabilitation plan in Wilmington begins Wednesday.
The nearly $20 million dollar project begins on April 15.
"We’ll remove the existing I-95 Southbound on ramps at 2nd Street and Jackson Street in Wilmington and build a new ramp configuration that will allow for safer access to I-95 southbound," said DelDOT’s C.R. McLeod.
The current configuration has one of the highest crash rates in the Wilmington corridor according to McLeod.
"This project will address that issue as well as adding additional turn lanes under the viaduct for accessing these ramps to improve traffic flow in the area," said McLeod.
McLeod adds this new ramp configuration will be open throughout the duration of the main I-95 project, providing a consistent access point to the highway in Wilmington.
The new configuration adds left-turn lanes on Lancaster Avenue to Adams Street and 2nd Street to the new reconfigured on-ramp.
The 2nd Street on-ramp to I-95 South will close on May 2, and remain closed for the rest of the project.
The project is expected to last eight months, but there’s a chance it’s completed quicker as the stay at home order during the COVID-19 pandemic reduces traffic on the roadways making it easier for construction crews.
"We've seen a decrease in traffic volume ranging from 40 to 50% on our roads statewide including I-95," said McLeod. "So there's been a dramatic reduction in traffic, and that has allowed us to expedite a number of projects around the state."
McLeod notes reduced traffic has already helped DelDOT move fasted on the ongoing Route 141/I-95 interchange project.
The main part of the I-95 in Wilmington project gets underway next March and is expected to create substantial traffic delays. MOre information on the priject is avialable at DelDOT's website.
