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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Public "Walk-Over" Event Will Allow Up Close Look Of New Indian River Inlet River Bridge

Dedication Ceremony will be Held by State Officials

Indian River
-- Continuing a tradition of allowing the public exclusive access to major construction projects before they are open to vehicle traffic the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is happy to announce plans for a public "walk-over" of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge (Charles W. Cullen Bridge) on Sunday, May 6, from 10 am to 4 pm.

DelDOT is offering an open invitation to Delaware residents, and all interested visitors from near and far who have a desire in experiencing the magnificent structure up close. This important event is expected to attract thousands of visitors during the course of the day.

Official dedication ceremonies will be held at 1:30 pm atop the bridge. U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Governor Jack Markell, Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt, and other officials will address the crowd alongside the four soaring 250-foot high cable-stay towers, with the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Bay serving as backdrops.

The $150 million bridge project was constructed by Skanska Civil Southeast under a design-build contract with DelDOT. Sixty Delaware businesses were suppliers to the project. Delaware contractor George & Lynch Construction is completing the roadway approach work allowing for the connection of existing Route 1 to the new bridge. It is expected that the two northbound lanes and the pedestrian walkway will open to traffic prior to Memorial Day, giving the Sussex County landmark its final christening.

Free public parking for this event will be located in the Delaware Seashore State Park day-use parking lot on the south east side of the inlet. Visitors coming from the south will be able to access the parking by entering to the right before crossing the bridge. Visitors coming from the north will have to cross the bridge and then turn at the first crossing to enter the parking area. Various electronic message signs and DelDOT personnel will be on-hand to guide and direct visitors to the correct location.

Join your family, friends, and neighbors, be sure to bring your camera, and don't miss this once in a lifetime event to celebrate the completion of the Charles W. Cullen Bridge at the Indian River Inlet!

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