TRAFFIC ALERT

One-Week Closure Set for Route 4 Near Railroad Tracks

Newark -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that needed safety improvements will begin Monday, July 13, on Route 4/Chestnut Hill Road in Newark between Route 72/Library Avenue and the railroad tracks. The work will require a full closure of Route 4 to through-traffic between Route 72 and Route 896/South College Avenue for one-week.

The closure will allow crews to raise the tracks and smooth out the road surface. Route 4 in the immediate area of the tracks would then be repaved to level the roadway. Local traffic will have access to Route 4 but there will be no through-traffic during the full closure.

The recommended detour route for the closure of Route 4 from Route 72 to the railroad tracks is as follows:
Eastbound traffic that would normally use Route 4 should turn left at Route 72, turn right on U.S. Route 40, right again on Route 896, then back to Route 4.
Westbound traffic that would normally use Route 4 should turn right at Route 896, turn left at U.S. Route 40, left again on Route 72, then back to Route 4.

Motorists who choose to utilize Old Baltimore Pike should be aware that they may encounter long delays caused by increased vehicle volumes. DelDOT's Traffic Management Center will monitor traffic conditions and make adjustments to traffic signals along the detour routes.

The closure of Chestnut Hill Road will also impact some DART routes.
Routes 33 and 39 will temporarily end at the Newark Transit Hub during the closure.
The section of missed bus stops will be served by a free shuttle bus.
The free shuttle service will run July 13-19, serving the Newark Transit Hub, Newark Municipal Building, and the Route 896/Route 4 Park & Ride lot. The free shuttle will operate 5:20 A.M. until 11:45 P.M. Monday through Friday, and 6:45A.M. until 8:40 P.M. on Saturday.
Connections from the Routes 33 and 39 to the shuttle service are free.
Route 55 will serve downtown Newark during the closure. Route 59 will not be affected.
For more information on bus stop impacts, visit DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART.

The work to be done at the railroad tracks is part of DelDOT's railroad safety crossing program, and will be performed by Norfolk Southern Corporation. In addition to the paving and crossing repairs, automatic crossing gates and lights will be installed. The project has received some federal funding, and the contract cost is $800,000.