Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

DelDOT Sec. says orange cones signal progress in Gov. weekly message

Delaware Public Media

The Secretary of Delaware’s Department of Transportation wants you to think about the future of the state’s roadways next time you’re in an orange cone zone.

Secretary Jennifer Cohan delivered the governor’s weekly message Friday. She said the state is making investments in projects that will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and accommodate growing traffic on First State roadways.

 

“These and many other important projects, both large and small, are possible today because of the leadership of Gov. Markell and the General Assembly, who enacted a  bipartisan funding package last year that makes significant new investments in our transportation infrastructure,” Cohan said.

Other investments include speeding up wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles with new technology. The state has also purchased electric and propane-fueled buses that help reduce air pollution.

She said the state is currently involved in multiple major road projects in every county. This includes bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Route 1 in near the beaches.  

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Op6rcWHEGU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Op6rcWHEGU
 
Full text of Gov. Markell's weekly message (delivered by DelDOT Sec. Jennifer Cohan:

During this year’s highway construction season, the Delaware Department of Transportation is making major strides to improve your ride. We are investing in projects that will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and accommodate growing traffic on our roadways. DMV is keeping up its commitment to use technology and innovation to streamline transactions and shorten customer wait times. We are encouraging the use of mass transit by increasing SEPTA and DART bus services, and purchasing clean electric and propane-fueled vehicles that reduce air pollution. Across our state, thousands of men and women are hard at work building and maintaining a transportation infrastructure that will help drive our economic prosperity for years to come.

In New Castle County, an innovative Diverging Diamond Interchange is under construction at Route 72 and Delaware 1 and a new expanded interchange on Route 141 and I-95 will significantly improve traffic flow. We’re resurfacing portions of I-95, I-495 and many other heavily traveled routes. And, work on the new US 301 is on budget and scheduled for a 2018 opening. In Kent County, the Route 1-Thompsonville Road Interchange is nearly complete and the new West Dover Connector is at the halfway point. New interchanges on Route 1 at Little Heaven and South Frederica are also underway. And, work on a new interchange at Northeast Front Street in Milford will start soon. In Sussex County, a project to add a third lane on Route 26 is nearly done and we’re progressing on intersection improvements on Route 9 between Lewes and Georgetown. The Hearns Pond Dam in Seaford – that also carries traffic – is being rehabilitated. And, our latest project to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along Route 1 in our beach communities is complete. These and many other important projects, both large and small, are possible today because of the leadership of Governor Markell and the General Assembly, who enacted a  bipartisan funding package last year that makes significant new investments in our transportation infrastructure.

In the short term, this means orange traffic cones and barrels will continue to be a common sight along our roadways. But please remember, our work zones are there to protect the safety of our roadway workers, while they improve your ride both today and tomorrow. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.