The project will add high speed connecting ramps from both Northbound SR1 to Northbound I-95 and from Southbound I-95 to Southbound SR1. This work is part of a multi-year, multi-project Turnpike Improvement Program that has included work at Churchman’ Road/SR 7 Intersection, and the Churchman’s Bridge over I-95; and the upcoming I-95 5th Lane Widening project.

Project Need:

Increasing traffic volumes and development south of SR 1 has led to deteriorating levels of service within the area of Christiana Mall and the I-95/SR 1 Interchange. While morning and evening peaks continue to struggle, this area also has deteriorating traffic conditions at many other times of the day and often throughout weekends. On most days many of the ramps experience levels of service (LOS) F.

Project Limits:

The new ramps will tie into the recently completed I-95 5th Lane Widening Project. All work on SR 1 will end just south of the Road A Bridge that accesses SR 7 and the Mall entrance.

Project Costs and Schedules:

• The current CTP estimate is $ 120M.
• The current funding becomes available in 2011. The project is expected to take 4 years to complete. Work is expected to begin in the summer of 2010; after the completion of the I-95 5th Lane Widening Project.

Project Restrictions:

• DelDOT will maintain all accesses to the Christiana Mall during all phases.
• The contractor will maintain all lanes during peak hours. The contractor will often reduce lanes at night to give him more work area, to bring in and remove materials, etc.
• No additional wetlands are allowed to be touched without the contractor obtaining his own permits from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project Mitigation:

• Promoting multimodal options with Dart First State and Rideshare/TMA programs.
• "Clear the Road" policy will be reenacted for the project area. We have gotten legislation approved in the past with this policy that allows us to move minor accident vehicles off the roadway. This is for the typical fender benders. Thus we can open lanes and eliminate the backups.
• We have held workshops and meetings over the past 5 years. Will have more as work start approaches.