Governor John Carney (D) and Nicole Majeski (above at podium), secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, recently hosted a groundbreaking event to mark the start of the $208 million I-95/896 interchange improvements project – a project that includes significant pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements.
[Above photo by the Delaware DOT]
The project – expected to wrap up by the end of 2025 – includes reconfiguration of existing interchange ramps, widening of I-95 northbound and southbound, widening and rehabilitation of existing bridges on I-95 and SR 896, and construction of new bridges, retaining walls, sign structures, and lighting.
A separated path will also span the interchange to provide a safe connection for bicycle and foot traffic traveling from Newark to Glasgow.
“Since this interchange first opened 60 years ago, we have seen continued growth along the Route 896 corridor and the resulting higher traffic volumes that come with it,” the governor said in a statement. “Modernizing this interchange will improve safety for the thousands of people who travel through this area every day.”
Delaware DOT’s Majeski added that there have been more than 700 crashes at this interchange since 2019 due to traffic congestion and the current configuration; an issue the new interchange design aims to change for the better.
“This project is necessary in order to greatly reduce these incidents that cause serious injuries or worse,” she said. “We appreciate the input we received throughout the planning process from residents and the business community to develop a project that accomplishes our goal of minimizing crashes and keeping traffic moving.”
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