Federal, State, and Local Officials Break Ground Today for the Construction of a New Bridge over the Christina River

Wilmington, Del. — Governor John Carney, U.S. Senator Thomas Carper, Transportation Secretary Jennifer Cohan, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and a host of other dignitaries and local officials were at a groundbreaking ceremony this afternoon to kick-off the construction of a new multi-modal bridge over the Christina River at the Wilmington Riverfront.

“The construction of the Christina River Bridge will help continue the redevelopment of the Wilmington Riverfront,” said Governor John Carney. “This is the kind of smart, infrastructure investment that will create jobs, and lead to real economic growth in our largest city. The Christina River Bridge will improve access to the attractions that already call the area home and encourage additional development on the south side of the river. Thank you to members of the General Assembly for supporting this investment.”

“Governor Carney and DelDOT are committed to ensuring Wilmington has state-of-the-art infrastructure, and partnering with the city on projects such as the new Christina River Bridge will help us accomplish that goal,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

This bridge will open up the east bank of the Riverfront, beginning the next phase of development that will create economic opportunities while also improving access for drivers, bikers and pedestrians,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “Much of the federal portion of this project comes from an earmark. Some think of that as a bad word, but in this case, this isn’t a bridge to nowhere. This is a bridge to economic vitality and transportation improvements, and that is why I am thrilled to be here today to celebrate its groundbreaking.”

U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester said, “The groundbreaking of the Christina River Bridge is a truly important milestone for the City of Wilmington and the Riverfront, and will provide a much needed link across the Christina River. Modernizing infrastructure will not only raise the quality of life for residents and visitors, but it will also help drive economic growth for the state as a whole. I look forward to seeing the vibrancy this brings to our city, and I thank my colleagues for their work to secure the federal dollars that are going into this project.”

“Connecting neighborhoods in Wilmington will make our city stronger and bridge social and economic divisions,” said U.S. Senator Christopher Coons. “This will help people drive, bike and walk across the river, and also will serve as an important reminder that investing in infrastructure is always a good idea. It’s my hope that leadership in Congress and the White House come together to finally invest in the nation’s infrastructure we deserve and to create the jobs we need.”

The location of the bridge lies within a brownfield – a contaminated site that must be remediated to bring the site back to productive use. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is overseeing the remediation under the state’s Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act, with $2.9 million in funding allocated for the project.

“Under DNREC’s Brownfields Program, the site is currently undergoing remediation to cleanup decades of contamination that has impacted soils and groundwater,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “By cleaning up and redeveloping historic industrial and manufacturing sites like this, we’re providing for economic development, improving the environment, and creating jobs for Delaware.”

“The bridge will be a critical connection between the west side or developed side of the riverfront and the south eastern section of Wilmington, which is one of the City’s last remaining larger areas of undeveloped land,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “We need these opportunities for development in Wilmington to ensure our future prosperity. The bridge will also relieve traffic congestion that has increased as the riverfront has grown and become a more popular place to live and enjoy life. Wilmington is grateful to the State for supporting our vision of growth.”

This is a new 470′ multi-modal bridge over the Christina River that will include two (2-12′) travel lanes and shoulders, as well as a 14′ wide bicycle/pedestrian path. The path will connect to the Riverfront walkway as well as other bicycle/pedestrian facilities in the area. The project extends from the area near Frawley Stadium across the Christina River to its east bank in the vicinity of Market Street/Walnut Street split of Business US 13. The project also alleviates traffic congestion and improves circulation near Riverfront attractions. After the completion of construction, this project will also add economic development opportunities for Delaware.

The contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction of Woodstown, New Jersey was awarded a bid of $28,386,108.35, the lowest of two bids received. This project is anticipated to be complete by Summer 2019.

There will be another separate contract for the roadway approaches to the bridge which will begin in the spring. The roadway approaches will adjoin/connect US 13, I-495, I-95 and streets to complete the network at the Riverfront. The project is scheduled to be finished by Spring 2020.

For further project information, visit DelDOT online at http://www.deldot.gov/information/projects/crb/index.shtml


Delaware Joins U.S. Climate Alliance to Uphold Goals of Paris Agreement

Governor Carney pledges support in fight against climate change

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Monday that Delaware has joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to upholding the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, after President Trump announced last week that he would withdraw the U.S. from the agreement. The Climate Alliance now includes 13 members.

“Delaware is the country’s lowest-lying state and with 381 miles of coastline, climate change is a very real threat to our future,” said Governor Carney. “As sea levels rise, more than 17,000 Delaware homes, nearly 500 miles of roadway and thousands of acres of wildlife habitat including our critical wetlands are at risk of permanent inundation. Rising average temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events also pose health risks to Delawareans, and threaten our economy. The U.S. should lead in the global fight against climate change. Delaware is proud to join this coalition of states providing that necessary leadership.”

The Paris Agreement called for the U.S. to achieve a 26-28 percent reduction of emissions, from 2005 levels, by 2025. Delaware’s continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy also will provide economic opportunity for Delawareans, and offer significant public health and environmental benefits.

Delaware’s greenhouse gases come from three primary sources: energy production, transportation, and industry. The state is working to reduce emissions in a number of ways, including through continued participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a nine-state program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Delaware also has set renewable energy targets and increased energy efficiency with building codes, weatherization and other voluntary programs.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires action at all levels – from people using less energy and driving fuel efficient cars, to the government establishing national pollutant standards,” said Shawn Garvin, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “We are proud of the progress the state has made and programs that help Delawareans drive cleaner cars and improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses. There is still much work to be done to reduce Delaware’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and I look forward to working with our sister states through the US Climate Alliance to meet Delaware’s pledge for the Paris Agreement.”

In the transportation sector, the state has incentivized the transition to cleaner fuels and electric vehicles, and now has a statewide network of charging stations.

“As we look to the future, it is imperative that we improve transportation resiliency to adapt to the effects of a changing climate. Incorporating the impact of climate change into our project planning and development, and adding more alternative fuel vehicles to our public transportation fleet each year are just two examples of how DelDOT is responding, and we thank Governor Carney for his leadership and commitment to this effort,” said Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of Transportation.

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Travel Advisory for Friday, May 5, 2017

The Delaware State Police (DSP) and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) are advising motorists to expect travel delays throughout the morning and early afternoon hours of Friday, May 5, 2017, due to the funeral services for Corporal Grade 1 Stephen J. Ballard.

DSP and DelDOT have issued the following specific information regarding road closures. Please plan accordingly for your commute. Non-essential state employees may request approval in advance to use accrued annual leave or flex their schedule, if operationally feasible, in order to avoid the anticipated heavy traffic time periods. Essential state employees report as scheduled.

  • The northbound lanes of I-95 between the Christiana Mall (Exit 4A) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (Exit 6) will be closed beginning at 6 a.m. and will be opened after the procession of emergency vehicles to travel to the Chase Center on the Riverfront; additionally a second closure of the northbound lanes between the Christiana Mall (Exit 4A) and the Martin Luther King Jr, Boulevard (Exit 6) will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. for the last procession of emergency vehicles to travel to the Chase Center on The Riverfront.

 

  • Northbound I-95 traffic will be significantly impacted and will be utilizing alternate routes of DE 896, US 40, DE 273, and US 13; motorists can expect delays on these routes with the increased diverted volume of traffic.

 

  • The funeral procession will then depart the Riverfront at approximately 12 p.m. and travel to the Gracelawn Cemetery located at 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle.

 

  • The procession is scheduled to use the following route:
    • Justison Street – Martin Luther King Boulevard – South Market Street – North DuPont Highway – Lovelace Avenue (U-turn) to Gracelawn Memorial Cemetery.

 

  • DART will be offering free shuttle service from the Route 273 and Route 7 Park & Ride to the Chase Center at the Wilmington Riverfront beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 9 a.m. Return service to the Park & Ride from the Chase Center will between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

  • DART will also be adjusting regular bus services to avoid road closures. Delays can be expected. Commuters can also use SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark Line from Newark and Fairplay Stations to avoid delays. Visit www.dartfirststate.com for more details.

 

  • Members of the public wishing to attend the services for Corporal Ballard are asked to use off-site parking as access to the Chase Center will be restricted.

 

  • Motorists may adjust their routes or travel times by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple & Android smart phones and tablets, and can be downloaded free, search for “DelDOT” at the Apple and Google Play stores. With the DelDOT App you can view real time traffic cameras, travel times, delays, advisories, DART’s Real-Time Transit Information, and also listen to WTMC 1380 AM.


Governor Carney Lifting Level 1 Driving Warning in New Castle County

Drivers should continue to exercise caution on roadways

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney will lift the Level 1 Driving Warning in New Castle County effective at noon on Tuesday, March 14. The warning has been in effect since midnight. The Delaware National Guard will continue to provide assistance to state and local authorities responding to the winter storm, at the discretion of the Adjutant General.

Full text of the Governor’s order is available below.

Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) crews continue to plow and salt roadways in New Castle County. State officials are monitoring today’s forecast that is producing a wintry mix and wind gusts in New Castle County; and heavy rain and wind gusts in Kent and Sussex counties.

Motorists should continue to exercise caution when driving today, and be on the watch for hazards such as water on roads, icy patches and snow-covered roadways. With the high wind gusts, motorists should be alert and careful for fallen tree limbs and power lines and debris on the roads.

Click here for DelDOT’s full update on road conditions.

The Governor urges media and Delaware residents to continue monitoring social media for updates:
https://twitter.com/JohnCarneyDE
https://www.facebook.com/JohnCarneyDE
https://twitter.com/DelawareDOT
https://www.facebook.com/delawaredot/
https://twitter.com/DelawareEMA

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TERMINATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY
FOR NEW CASTLE COUNTY

WHEREAS, on Monday, March 13, 2017 through Tuesday, March 14, 2017, New Castle County experienced a winter storm with snowfall, sleet, and gusting winds, resulting in decreased visibility and other road hazards that made driving dangerous.
WHEREAS, in light of the foregoing conditions, I declared a State of Emergency including a Level 1 Driving Warning on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 12:00 a.m. E.S.T.; and
WHEREAS, although cold temperatures and high winds remain, the winter storm that resulted in snow, sleet, and decreased visibility has passed; and
WHEREAS, through the significant efforts of the Delaware Department of Transportation and state and local emergency responders, travel on many Delaware roads is possible again, although not all roads may be passable and motorists should exercise extreme caution; and
WHEREAS, the foregoing emergency has been dealt with to the extent that conditions necessitating a State of Emergency no longer exist.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN C. CARNEY, do hereby declare that:

  1. My declaration of a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware dated Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 12:00 a.m. E.S.T. is hereby terminated as of Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. E.S.T.
  2. Pursuant to 20 DEL. C. § 3116(a)(11), the Delaware National Guard shall continue to provide necessary assistance to state and local authorities, at the discretion of the Adjutant General or her designee.

APPROVED this 14th day of March, 2017, at 12:00 p.m.


Governor Carney Closes State Offices in New Castle County

Level 1 Driving Warning remains in effect

WILMINGTON, Del. – With the winter storm continuing to impact Delaware, State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will be closed during regular business hours — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County are not to report to work during this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

Governor Carney’s Level 1 Driving Warning remains in effect in New Castle County. Under a Level 1 Driving Warning drivers are discouraged from operating a motor vehicle on the state’s roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.

The Governor urges media and residents to monitor social media for continuous updates:
https://twitter.com/JohnCarneyDE
https://www.facebook.com/JohnCarneyDE
https://twitter.com/DelawareDOT
https://www.facebook.com/delawaredot/
https://twitter.com/DelawareEMA

Read the latest update on roadway conditions from DelDOT:

Delaware Department of Transportation crews have been working steadily to prepare the state’s roadways for removal of snow and ice. Snow began to fall overnight, and storm activity is expected to last until the late afternoon hours in New Castle County.
DelDOT’s maintenance forces will continue snow removal operations throughout the day. Motorists should continue to exercise extreme caution when driving today, and be on the watch for hazards such as icy patches and snow covered roadways. With the high wind gusts, motorists should be alert and careful for fallen tree limbs/power lines and debris on the roads.
Every effort will be made to keep the state’s roadways open and operating, the public may expect disruption and delays as the storm progresses.

Once primary roads are passable, DelDOT’s crews will move to the secondary roads. Crews may be forced to return to the primary roads even after operations have started on secondary roads, due to the changing of weather conditions.

DelDOT wants to stress the importance of staying off the roads, if possible, during major storms and slow down when you drive. There is a potential for snow squalls to develop, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions.

DelDOT Transportation Management Center (TMC)
DelDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) and WTMC-1380 AM provides motorists real-time traffic conditions throughout the state.  Motorists can contact the TMC 24/7 to report any travel or traffic related issues at the following numbers:  Dial #77 from any cell phone; (302) 659-4600; or 1-800-324-8379.

DelDOT App
The DelDOT App is available for Apple & Android smart phones and tablets, and can be downloaded free, search for “DelDOT” at the Apple and Google Play stores. With the DelDOT App you can view real time traffic cameras, travel times, delays, advisories, DART’s Real-Time Transit Information, and also listen to WTMC 1380 AM.

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