Governor Carney Signs Customer-Friendly DMV Legislation

Dover – Governor John Carney was joined by Senator Stephanie Hansen and Representative Ed Osienski today as he signed two pieces of legislation approved by the General Assembly into law that will further enhance the customer service experience for all Delaware drivers.

The first bill, House Bill 146, removes the requirement for signatures to be in pen and ink when provided for driver license, identification card, or registration application processes. The removal of this provision enables the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to develop more efficient means of serving customers including expanded online services. The Division will be implementing the capability for customers to renew their driver’s license online by the end of 2017.

The second bill, House Bill 246, increases the exemption from inspection from five years to seven years for all new vehicles, and will apply to all new vehicles purchased after January 1, 2012. Currently, vehicles in the five newest model years are exempt from inspection. DMV has a biennial inspection for vehicles under 8,500lbs. This legislation reduces the number of inspections per year by approximately 45,000 vehicles. All owners of vehicle with a current five year expiration can easily renew their registration for an additional two years via mail, by using the DMV drive-thru, or by using DMV’s online registration renewal tool once they are within 90 days of expiration.

“These two bills are great examples of how we can operate more efficiently and provide even better customer service for Delawareans,” said Governor Carney. “Thanks to technology, new vehicles are safer and more efficient than ever, and we can provide services online that once required a physical trip to one of our facilities.”

“I’m grateful to Governor Carney and the General Assembly for seeing the value of this legislation that just makes sense for all of our customers and still ensures a high level of both security in our licensing process and safety in our inspection process,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“This is just the latest opportunity for us to provide a higher level of service to our customers,” DMV Director Scott Vien said. “It allows us to expand our services, and we’re excited to save our customers a trip to our offices.”

“The perception about the DMV being a hassle for residents simply doesn’t apply in Delaware. Our Division of Motor Vehicles does an excellent job at customer service and looking for new, innovative ways to better accommodate a busy public,” said Rep. Ed Osienski, who chairs the House Transportation Committee and sponsored both bills. “By using technology to make people’s lives easier and reducing the number of vehicles going through inspection lines, we are shortening the wait times at the DMV and streamlining the processes. These might be small changes, but they will have a big impact on residents’ experiences at the DMV.”

In addition, Governor Carney also signed Senate Bill 97, which allows Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) authorized vehicles to be able to use the shoulder of the road when responding to emergencies. DelDOT staff must respond to emergencies along the road to assist police, fire and paramedics with traffic control during an incident. By allowing the use of the shoulder of the road, DelDOT will be able to respond in a timely manner.

“People don’t always think about it, but first responders rely on DelDOT vehicles and personnel to help manage traffic in emergencies,” said Sen. Stephanie Hansen. “That matters for drivers. More importantly, it keeps emergency personnel safe and frees them up to focus on more pressing problems. Giving DelDOT shoulder access will make emergency response faster and more effective—and, together SB 97, HB 146 and HB 246, should make owning and driving a car a better, easier, safer experience for everyone.”

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Delaware Marks Completion of POW/MIA Parkway in Dover

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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Statement from Secretary Cohan and Contractor Tutor Perini on Route 1 SB Closure at Biddles Corner

I would like to apologize to all those impacted by this extended closure. The overnight construction activity on southbound State Route 1 to place a major structural concrete straddle bent section for the new US301 flyover bridge over SR1 SB encountered major delays that resulted in an extended closure of the roadway. While we work hard with our contractors to plan these events to cause the least amount of impact on motorists, there is always the potential for issues to arise during execution that can alter our best laid plans. DelDOT has worked closely with the contractor to get the road re-opened as quickly and safely as possible.

The roadway is reopened at this time. We will be meeting with the contractor, Tutor Perini, to discuss today’s events and avoid these types of delays for next Tuesday’s planned installation for the similar operation to install the structural concrete straddle bent for the new US 301 flyover over SR1 NB. Per the contractual language, DelDOT does have the right to seek damages from the contractor for the delay, as the advertised end time for the closure was not met and has caused significant delays for motorists today. I apologize again for this inconvenience, and we will work hard to do better.
– Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of Transportation

STATEMENT FROM TUTOR PERINI

On behalf of Tutor Perini, please accept our apologies for the delayed erection of the concrete beam on the DELDOT 1B Project.

The planned erection procedure included a detour to the traveling public, which was to be concluded by 6:00am on September 14, 2017.

This did not occur, due to a multitude of issues, outside the control of DELDOT, but within that of Tutor Perini, where by the detour was removed, and traffic restored to the public, by 3:00pm on Thursday.

While the operation was completed safely, an inconvenience was caused to the general public, DELDOT, and others. Tutor Perini offers its sincere apologies for today’s events.

Respectfully,
Damon Petrillo
Vice President of Operations
Tutor Perini

Delaware Receives Additional $20 Million in FHWA Redistribution

Dover, Del. – The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) annual August redistribution has resulted in Delaware receiving and addition $20,049,671 in federal funding for infrastructure projects. The redistribution dollars represent federal transportation improvement funds that were allocated, but not used by other states.

“These additional funds will allow DelDOT to move forward with several needed projects throughout our state sooner than originally planned, creating more jobs and addressing infrastructure needs,” said Governor John Carney.

“DelDOT values every dollar it receives from FHWA, and we are happy that we responded quickly to this opportunity to further support our robust infrastructure improvement program,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

DelDOT will obligate these additional funds for specific projects no later than September 26, 2017. These projects include the SR 1 NE Front Street grade separated interchange in Kent County, paving and rehabilitation work of Route 54 and Fenwick/Lighthouse Road in Sussex County, bridge painting on the Red Clay Creek bridge on Kirkwood Highway and design work for a rehab project of the SR 141 bridge over Kirkwood Highway in New Castle County.

Governor Carney Signs Executive Order to Establish Advisory Council on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Council will study economic development opportunities, infrastructure needs, and report to Governor and General Assembly

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed an executive order establishing an advisory council on connected and autonomous vehicles to ensure that Delaware remains at the forefront of emerging transportation technology, and to evaluate the technology’s impact on public safety, cybersecurity, and the design of Delaware’s transportation network.

The 19-member council will develop recommendations for innovative tools and strategies that can be used to prepare Delaware’s transportation network for connected and autonomous vehicles, and the council will report back to the Governor and the General Assembly by September 2018.

Governor Carney signed the executive order on Tuesday morning at AAA Mid-Atlantic’s headquarters in Wilmington.

“We must remain forward-looking to ensure that Delawareans can capitalize on the economic benefits of new technology, and to position our state as a leader in the 21st century economy,” said Governor Carney. “Delaware can and should be a proving ground for this new technology. This council will help us identify economic opportunities related to connected and autonomous vehicles, and address potential issues as manufacturers continue to develop this new technology.”

Full text of Executive Order #14 is available here.

Governor Carney signed the executive order just days after signing the Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Investment Act, bipartisan legislation that will accelerate investments in mobile broadband infrastructure, expand access to high-speed internet for Delawareans and businesses across the state, and encourage innovation.

Expanding broadband access was a recommendation of Governor Carney’s Action Plan For Delaware. Delaware’s robust telecommunications system could position the state as an early adopter of new vehicle technology, and as a home for manufacturers and innovators.

The advisory council on connected and autonomous vehicles will bring together state government officials, industry representatives, state lawmakers, city planners, and representatives from institutions of higher education to study the issue and its potential opportunities for Delaware. Specifically, the council will develop recommendations related to economic development; technology, security, and privacy; transportation network infrastructure; and the impact of emerging technologies on public and highway safety.

“As automated vehicle technology continues to develop, this council will help inform and guide how Delaware can be best positioned to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation.

“As the motorist’s advocate, AAA’s goal is to support autonomous vehicle innovation with an eye toward safety and ease of consumer use and understanding,” said Berni Koch, CEO of AAA Mid-Atlantic. “We appreciate the opportunity to serve on the state’s AV Task Force, and applaud the leadership of Governor Carney and the hard work by Secretary Cohan and her team to position Delaware on the leading edge of an evolution in transportation.”

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Additional photos from the executive order signing are available he re.

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