New West Dover Connector to improve multi-modal travel in Kent County

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday was joined by U.S. Senator Thomas Carper, U.S. Senator Christopher Coons, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Transportation Secretary Jennifer Cohan and a gathering of local officials, veterans and families to dedicate the completion of the POW/MIA Parkway in Dover.

The POW/MIA Parkway, also known as the West Dover Connector, provides direct connections for multiple recreational facilities, residential areas, commercial centers, and medical facilities. In addition, non-motorized recreational connections were created between Breck Nock Park, Schutte Park, Kent County Parks and Recreational Center, and the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club. This project consists of approximately 3.2 miles of newly constructed roadway that runs from North Street to U.S. 13.

Construction on the $67.9 million project began in February 2015. Over the next six years, DelDOT will invest more than $3.4 billion on infrastructure across Delaware.

“With the opening of the POW/MIA Parkway today, we honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Governor Carney. “This project also represents a significant investment in transportation infrastructure in Kent County that will alleviate congestion, and improve travel throughout the Dover area. Importantly, these types of investments create jobs and spur economic development in communities up and down our state. Thank you to members of the General Assembly and members of Delaware’s federal delegation for their support and leadership on this issue.”

“As a local resident, I am so excited for the long-awaited opening of the POW/MIA Parkway, and the convenience it will provide to thousands of residents. I’m also proud that in Kent County with such a proud military history, we are honoring those who were Prisoners Of War, as well as those who are Missing In Action, and their families,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“Our veterans deserve to be remembered and honored every day, and this is such a special way to remind Delawareans of the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, a 23-year veteran of the Navy. “This investment is also a great example of how the federal government can work with state governments to complete projects that improve our communities while also creating good jobs.”

“Today’s dedication of the POW/MIA Parkway was fitting being that it is POW/MIA Remembrance Day,” said U.S. Senator Coons. “This completion of road will greatly improve the quality of life easing traffic in Kent County. Congratulations to Governor Carney, Secretary Cohan, and everyone who helped complete the project.”

U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester said, “I can think of no more appropriate occasion to open the POW/MIA connector. The POW/MIA logo is among the most powerful in our country’s history. This connector will serve as a daily reminder to Delawareans of the heroes who have sacrificed for our freedom and will help us fulfill our pledge to Prisoners Of War and those still Missing In Action; that we will never forget.”

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, World War II Brigadier General Reynolds and Mrs. Reynolds were the first officials to travel across the roadway.  They were followed by additional veterans and members of local veterans organizations.

DelDOT will allow non-motorized use of the POW/MIA Parkway Friday through 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16. The remaining road barriers will be removed and the POW/MIA Parkway will be open to motorists after 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Improvements were made at the US 13 intersection with signal upgrades and additional turn lanes. Auxiliary connections to New Burton Road and Wyoming Mill Road will accommodate access to the new roadway with improvements to those existing roadways to facilitate turning movements. The existing intersection of North Street and Saulsbury Road was upgraded to accommodate additional through and turning lanes for projected traffic volumes.

Multi-modal facilities are provided on the POW/MIA Parkway shoulders and an offset multi-use path. DART facilities were also installed at key locations to facilitate new bus routes along the roadway.

Additional infrastructure projects either in design or under construction include the new U.S. 301, I-95 viaduct rehabilitation, the Camden Bypass, a new Christina River Bridge, improvements to the Claymont Train Station, improvements to the Newark Regional Transportation Center, improvements to the Wilmington Transit Center, and the widening of Route 1 from Route 273 to the Roth Bridge.

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