Dover Air Force Base Open House This Weekend

Dover -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is prepared for heavy volumes of traffic on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, as aeronautic-enthusiasts make their way to the Dover Air Force Base Open House and Air Show. Featuring daily performances by the Air Force Thunderbirds, approximately 100,000 visitors are expected at the Air Show. Motorists traveling through the Dover and Kent county area should tune their radio to 1380-AM (WTMC) for the latest up-to-date, real time traveler's information.

Due to the expected high traffic volumes, motorists are given the following suggestions:

Coming from the north to the Air Show, Route 1 southbound will have all travel lanes open; however, motorists should use caution approaching Barker's Landing Bridge south of the Dover Air Force Base as general parking for the Air Show will only be available from Route 1 northbound. Motorists will need to use Barker's Landing Bridge to gain access onto Route 1 northbound.

Coming for the south to the Air Show, the right lane of Route 1 northbound will be merged to the left lane south of the Barker's Landing Bridge. At the approach of Route 9, the right lane to Route 1 northbound will be dedicated to Air Show patrons turning into the general parking area. The left lane of Route 1 northbound will be reserved for northbound traffic. Shuttle buses will take visitors from the parking area to the base.

Motorists displaying handicapped placards and VIP guests will enter the base using the Main Gate that can be accessed from Route 1 Exit 93 to be directed to parking closer to the Open House and Air Show.

Local Kent county residents may want to consider using Route 9 southbound to travel to the Air Show parking area, especially if they are planning to arrive at the Dover Air Force Base early in the day.

Note of caution - there will be periods during Saturday and Sunday where Route 9 is temporarily closed due to the activity at the Air Show.

Local residents not visiting the Air Show are encouraged to center their trips on Saturday and Sunday using the Route 13 corridor, and avoid the Dover Air Force Base area. Congestion is expected from the Route 13/Route 1 split in Dover from the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.