Project Status

July 16, 2007

Final design is underway for the widening of SR 7 from two to four lanes between Newtown Road and SR 273. The SR 7 widening recently constructed between US 40 and Newtown Road will be extended to SR 273 under this contract. This project includes sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as significant improvements and a new traffic signal at the School Bell Road intersection. Right of way needed for the road widening is proposed for funding in Fiscal Years 2007 and 2008, with construction currently proposed for funding in Fiscal Year 2009.

Another, related project along SR 7 is a new entrance for JP Morgan Chase and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church opposite Rivers End Drive. The church's current unsignalized entrance north of Rivers End Drive has been a source of concern on Saturday evenings and Sundays. The joint entrance, to be constructed by JP Morgan Chase and paid for jointly by the bank and DelDOT, will improve church access. A construction schedule for the new entrance has not yet been established.

Public Workshop

November 8, 2004

Seventy-one residents of the communities along SR 7 attended a workshop held on Monday, November 8, 2004 at Christiana Fire Company's Memorial Hall. Attendees had the opportunity to view the preferred design alternative that was chosen based on comments received from the previous workshop in August 2003. The preferred design alternative will widen SR 7 from two to four lanes, similar to the widening currently under construction along SR 7 from US 40 to Newtown Road. In addition, the preferred design alternative includes a raised median with trees, shoulders for bicycle use, sidewalks, new bus stops and a new traffic signal at the intersection of School Bell Road and SR 7.

Public Workshop

August 19, 2003

Nearly 80 business owners and residents came to the Bear Library on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 for a workshop on widening Route 7 between Newtown Road and Route 273. Three alternatives were presented: widening primarily to the west, primarily to the east, and in between. Approximate property impacts associated with each alternative were displayed. Attendees also had the opportunity to comment on the way the median will be treated: either a raised landscaped median or a two-way left-turn lane will be provided.