DelDOT Announces Progress On US 113 Project

Dover -- As a result of continuing conversations with local legislators regarding the future of the US 113 project in southern Delaware, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Shailen Bhatt announced today the agency will do the following:

-Start design work for the Ellendale segment in the fall of 2011, with the intention of starting construction in late 2013 or early 2014.

-Submit a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Georgetown segment to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in October 2011, with the intent to seek public comments in early 2012, and receive final FHWA approval sometime in the summer of 2012. Once the environmental document is approved, design work would take place in 2012 and 2013 and construction would be estimated to commence in late 2014 / early 2015. The final timing of design and construction for this segment are contingent on the availability of funding.

-Complete the DEIS for the Millsboro-South segment (which is located south of Georgetown to the Maryland state line), with the understanding that the entire project would be phased, with the portion south of Millsboro not expected to be designed for 15 to 20 years. The DEIS would then be submitted to the FHWA for review and comment, with the approved draft presented to the public for comment. For the Route 24 connector, the DEIS will consider multiple alignments, including a connector through Patriot's Landing or through the Doe Run Nature Preserve.

-With the above understanding about the timing of the section south of Route 24, DelDOT will immediately move to terminate the state's reservation agreement for The Moorings at Pepper's Creek.

"We are continuing to make progress on a project that will open up central Sussex County for job creation and future economic opportunity, as well as enhance travel. Reaching a plan that will improve safety and traffic flow while meeting legal, safety and environmental requirements is a challenge that includes a thorough review of all the options. After today's conversation, we will resume seeking the federal approval that will be needed to secure funding for the project. I want to assure citizens we are being thoughtful and deliberative as we move forward," Secretary Bhatt said.