Route 54 Construction Schedule Change Announced

In Response To Ongoing Traffic Concerns and Economic Impacts - Nightwork to start Tuesday July 19, 2011

Dover -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) today announced that in response to concerns from motorists, business owners, emergency responders and legislators about lengthy traffic delays impeding access to local residences and businesses during the remainder of the critical summer tourism season, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) intends to alter construction activities on the Route 54 Improvement Project effective Tuesday, July 19, 2011 through Labor Day, 2011. Notification of individual residents and business along the Route 54 project corridor began today.

During this seven-week time period, the contractor will perform construction activities between 10pm and 7am Monday nights through Friday mornings for the remainder of the summer. No roadway construction work would occur during daytime hours for the remaining weeks of the summer months, other than occasional utility work and material deliveries which should have little to no impact on traffic movement. The contractor will not perform any roadway work at any time on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

"DelDOT has acted quickly and responsibly to address concerns raised by motorists, business owners, residents emergency responders and legislators," said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt. "While there will be some additional costs and project schedule changes associated with the temporary switch from day work to night work, DelDOT believes these effects will be minimal compared to the benefits of alleviating excessive traffic congestion for area residents and businesses during the remainder of the busy summer tourism season. A financially-prosperous beach vacation season is vital to the economic viability of many resort businesses in Delaware. Full and part-time residents who look forward to the summer beach season will also find it easier to reach local businesses and go about their daily routines."

Residents can expect some work-related noise during night time hours; however, every attempt will be made to keep this to a minimum.

This change is only being made after careful consideration of the significant economic impact to those who live, work or traverse Route 54 during the summer months. DelDOT engaged in discussions with numerous stakeholders including business owners, residents and legislators - in particular, Sen. George Bunting and Rep. Gerald Hocker, who were instrumental in voicing residents' concerns and reaching the above compromise. As the project moves forward, DelDOT will work with the contractor to identify ways to expedite construction during the off season to make up for any time lost over the next seven weeks.

Additional signage will also be posted in and around the work zone advising motorists that businesses are open along Route 54 and of the new night work schedule.

The $8 million project is expected to be completed in summer 2012. For further information, please contact the Office of Public Relations at (302) 760-2080 or visit our website at www.deldot.gov.