Bridge Project On Old Kennett Road Extended

Unexpected Rock Formations Require Design Alterations

Centerville

-- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) wants to inform motorists that a time extension has been granted for the replacement of the bridge on Old Kennett Road west of Centerville. The contractor, Zack Excavating, Inc., will be using a specialized tieback system to reinforce the retaining wall for stability due to the rugged terrain and underground rock formations. The current anticipated completion date is July 15, pending weather.

This project began in November 2010 to avoid restrictions under the Federal Endangered Species Act, and Title 7 of the annotated Delaware Code, related to the presence of the bog turtle habitat. The bog turtle is a rare, threatened, and endangered species that is in danger of extinction. Additional issues related to cold weather at stages when construction was weather sensitive, the demolition of the former bridge, and the current discovery of additional underground rock formations have led to the project going beyond its original completion schedule of April 2011.

This important rehabilitation project involves the removal of the old concrete-slab bridge that rested on stone abutments, and then replacing it with a precast concrete box culvert structure. Additional improvements include the widening and reconstruction of the road approaches, placement of guardrail, and the addition of riprap for scour protection in the stream bed. Motorists will continue to use Center Mill Road and Ashland School Road as a detour route.