Georgetown, Laurel Projects Included In Del. Transportation Program

Delaware hits the road with big plans to spend more money from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Governor John Carney and DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski, speaking in South Bowers Beach Wednesday, said a variety of projects over the next five years will improve the transportation network, ‘make road systems more resilient to climate change,’ and serve traditionally disadvantaged areas by applying for additional federal funding.
An overpass taking Route 9 traffic over Route 113 in Georgetown is proposed, as well as extension of the Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail from Fisher Road to Airport Road. The state also proposes to add bicycle lanes and a sidewalk along Discountland Road in Laurel to connect two affordable housing communities to a local shopping center.

One of the initial projects utilizing infrastructure funding will raise a portion of South Bowers Beach by five inches to protect it from tidal and storm flooding.. DelDOT’s new Division of Resiliency and Sustainability will develop a prioritization process for other projects over the next several years.

“Delawareans will travel easier on major routes and have increased confidence in the roads they need to use every day and in emergencies with the projects DelDOT can now accomplish with this funding,” Carney said. “In addition, we will apply for extra federal funding for improvements in New Castle and Laurel that would make a significant difference in the lives of residents in those areas.”

“We continue to work to address the infrastructure needs we have across the state, and this landmark bill will bring more funding to Delaware that will have a positive impact on every mode of transportation,” Majeski said.

According to the Governor’s office:

Among the projects the Department will be advancing with other BIL funds:

• The planned widening of Route 1 between the Christiana Mall and Route 40
• Improvements to Kenton Road in west Dover between Route 8 and Chestnut Grove Road
• Long-planned construction of an overpass taking Route 9 traffic over U.S. 113 in Georgetown
• The next phase of the Georgetown to Lewes Trail from Fisher Road to Airport Road

The Infrastructure Law is providing an additional $160 million over five years to Delaware main highway spending programs.

In addition, Delaware will submit applications in April for two concepts under the federal Local and Regional Project Assistance Grants (RAISE). This is a nationwide competitive program and the U.S. Department of Transportation will announce successful grant recipients by August 12, 2022. Both target traditionally underserved areas, which is a focus of the BIL.

• Applying for $6.5 million in a federal grant to begin designing an ambitious plan in the Route 9 area near New Castle, reducing the through lanes on Route 9 with saved lane space used to improve pedestrian and bicycle and bus facilities and provide extra green space. The project would also include rebuilt intersections including roundabouts, a center-lane multi-use pathway over the I-295 Expressway and a pedestrian/bicycle path system to knit together the now largely disconnected neighborhoods along the corridor. If design funds are granted, DelDOT would apply to RAISE for construction funding in future years, with total cost estimated at $30 million.

• Applying for $5.8 million to add bicycle lanes and a sidewalk safely along Discountland Road in Laurel, connecting two affordable housing communities (Holly Brook Farms and Carvel Gardens) to a shopping center that contains a grocery store, bank, pharmacies, physical therapy and other amenities.