Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), operating DART First State, is continuing to invest in passenger facilities in Wilmington and will be replacing and installing new shelters on King Street beginning this week and continuing over the next month. The new shelters will be located at King and 3rd, King and 6th, King and 8th, King and 9th, and King and 10th. In addition, shelters will be installed on South Market at South Shipley, the old B&O railroad building, and North French at 9th Street. These improvements total almost $116,000, and DTC also has another $300,000 in city bus stop improvements planned for this fiscal year.

“Following recent bus route changes in downtown Wilmington, we heard and listened to concerns about the need for additional benches and shelters for our riders, and that’s the reason we are making these important investments,” said Governor John Carney. “We believe that affordable public transit and transportation infrastructure improvements are key to investing in our city and Wilmington’s downtown area. Over the next several years, we will invest $250 million in transportation improvements in and around the city, including in new transit improvements, the new Christina River bridge, and the transit center adjacent to the Biden train station. These are important investments that will strengthen our city, help create jobs, and improve transit in and around Wilmington.”

Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan added, “Providing cover from the elements will improve comfort and convenience for all of our riders along these routes and are another example of the improvements we continue to make in Wilmington.”

“We are committed to providing safe, efficient, and reliable transit services in Wilmington and across Delaware,” said Delaware Transit Corporation CEO John Sisson. “We understand that the strength and vitality of Wilmington is key to the health and success of the state, and these improvements are a result of the feedback we’ve received from our riders in the city.”

Over the past eight months, DTC has invested $120,000 in passenger facility improvements within the city, including the installation of new bus shelters along French, 9th, 10th, and Washington Streets; a second shelter at the Wilmington Amtrak Station bus stop and at the heavily used stop on King Street at 3rd Street.

In addition, DTC has secured a $2.45 million federal grant for improvements along Orange Street, including the plan to convert the current one-way, northbound street into a two-way street by adding a southbound bus lane from 10th to 4th Streets. This project, brought forth to the community through Wilmington Initiatives, comprised of DTC, DelDOT, City of Wilmington and the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO), is currently being finalized and is a key piece of the infrastructure improvements that will support an optimal transit system, including ADA-compliant bus stops and pedestrian access with new bus shelters and amenities.

This fall, ground will be broken on the new Wilmington Transit Center near the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Train Station. The transit center, set to open next year, will feature customer amenities including an indoor, seated waiting area, access to restrooms, USB charging stations, Wi-Fi, and vending machines.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is showing its support for National Recovery Month by lighting its toll facilities and the Indian River Inlet Bridge in purple during the month of September.

“The addiction epidemic has impacted every community in Delaware,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long, Chair of Delaware’s Behavioral Health Consortium. “Fighting this disease is a team effort, and we are working tirelessly to raise awareness and connect people with critical resources when they need it most. I applaud DelDOT for lighting Delaware purple and doing their part to support and educate Delawareans during Addiction Awareness Month.”

“The epidemic of substance abuse and addiction continues to impact families across Delaware and we are proud to support local groups such as atTAcK addiction that are working to raise awareness about the disease of addiction,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“atTAcK addiction continues to raise awareness and create open discussion throughout Delaware regarding the disease of substance abuse disorder,” said atTAcK addiction board member Doug Salter. “The work we do is bittersweet for, while we appreciate and welcome the partnerships and participation, it likely means another loved one has died or another family is battling the disease. We will continue to work tirelessly to “Erase the Stigma” surrounding addiction. Addiction does not discriminate. There is hope. If you or someone you love is suffering from the disease of addiction, please reach out. You are not alone.”

A record number of people died in Delaware from suspected overdoses in August 2018 according to reports from the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. The monthly total of 39 deaths was the highest since the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) began tracking deaths from suspected overdoses in late 2013. The previous high monthly total was 27 deaths, which occurred in April 2018.

In New Castle County, the 24/7 Crisis Services Hotline number is 1-800-652-2929. In Kent and Sussex counties, the number is 1-800-345-6785. Individuals and families also can visit DHSS’ website, www.HelpIsHereDE.com, to find addiction treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states.

To learn more about the work of aTAcK addiction, visit www.attackaddiction.org.

Beginning Monday, September 10, two popular DART Beach Bus Routes, 201 and 204, will begin year-round service, operating every 30 minutes, Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Route 201 provides service from the Lewes Park & Ride lot, along DE Route 1 corridor to Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth Park & Ride and Rehoboth Boardwalk. Route 204 operates between the Lewes Park & Ride and Downtown Lewes, including the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. Free parking will now be offered at both Lewes Park & Ride and Rehoboth Park & Ride. In addition, the following Sussex County services (Routes 206, 212 and 215) provide Saturday service year-round.

John Sisson, Delaware Transit Corporation CEO stated, “We’re excited to offer the continuation of these services year-round, as well as increased Saturday service in Sussex County. These expansions provide greater access to jobs, shopping and entertainment, as we continue striving to enhance the customer experience.”

From the Rehoboth Park & Ride, riders can connect with Route 215 for Monday through Saturday service along DE Routes 23 and 24 to the Long Neck area, Mountaire Farms and Mid-Sussex Shopping Center in Millsboro. At Millsboro, Flex Route 902 provides a connection to the Georgetown Hub.

At the Lewes Park & Ride connections can be made to the various routes that provide service to Georgetown, Milford and Dover. Route 204 provides Monday through Saturday service to Downtown Lewes and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. The Route 206 serves Harbeson and Georgetown. At the Georgetown Hub, connections can be made to the Route 212 for service to Bridgeville, Seaford, Blades, Laurel and Delmar; to Route 303 to Dover; the Flex 901 for local Georgetown service; Flex 902 to Millsboro and Flex 903 for local Seaford service. Route 307 offers rush hour and mid-day service from Lewes to Milford and Dover. In Milford, connections can be made with the Route 210 for local Milford service or to Route 303 for service to Georgetown. In Dover, riders can connect with the local Kent County services or the Intercounty Routes 301 or 302 for service to New Castle County.

The fares are $2 per zone for a one-way trip, $4.20 per zone for a Daily Pass, 7-Day Pass is $18 or 30-Day Pass for $65. Fares are now available for mobile payment with DART Pass, the new mobile fare payment option, and includes a one-way ride, a reduced fare one-way ride (ID required upon boarding), a Daily Pass, and the new 7-Day and 30-Day Passes. All mobile fares are currently valid for one zone only; however, multiple tickets can be used for multi-zone travel. Multi-zone tickets will be available at a later date.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the new mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DelDOT App (iOS and Android).

Delaware’s Congressional delegation, Governor John Carney, former Governor Jack Markell, State Representative Valerie Longhurst, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, and other state and local officials gathered on Wednesday at the DuPont Environmental Education Center at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, to open the new 7.9-mile trail named after former Governor Jack Markell.

The new trail links Wilmington’s Riverfront to historic Old New Castle, and connects to a 3,000 mile East Coast Greenway that traverses Maine to Florida. The trail includes a 300 foot-long pedestrian/bicycle crossing over the Christiana River and an elevated 2,300 foot-long boardwalk through the Peterson Wildlife Refuge with paved pathways. The elevated boardwalk section is the largest pedestrian/bicycle bridge in the state.

The trail was dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony as the “Jack A. Markell Trail,” in honor of the former First State’s Governor, who spearheaded the dramatic expansion of bicycle and pedestrian trails and pathways throughout Delaware during his two terms in office.

“Today’s groundbreaking on the final phase of this trail that connects the beautiful Wilmington Riverfront to Historic Old New Castle is a part of a national trail that reaches across more than 3,000 miles of our country,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “Governor Markell’s hard work and dedication to creating a more walkable, bikeable Delaware can be seen in the great trails we have that span our state from Wilmington to the Bayshore. It’s a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“I am proud to have had a small part in establishing this track, when I served as New Castle County Executive, and I am equally pleased this trail will be named for Governor Markell, recognizing his championing of accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians, and his vision for connecting all of Delaware through trails and greenways,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.

“This exciting project further connects the communities of Wilmington and New Castle,” said Governor John Carney. “It provides more opportunities for walkers and cyclists to enjoy a beautiful part of our state. It gives those living near the trail another option for their morning commute. And, it finalizes a critical link that incorporates Delaware into a vast network of trails in our region and along the East Coast. None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of Governor Markell and his Trails and Pathways Initiative. Naming this trail in his honor is a fitting recognition of his efforts to promote healthier living, increase tourism, and bring together towns and communities in our state. I’m looking forward to its opening, and I know the Governor will be one of the first ones out here to ride it.”

“I’m thrilled that we’re opening this trail, which establishes a critical new link within our state’s trail network and the East Coast greenway,” said former Governor Jack Markell. “Dozens of miles of new trails and pathways have been constructed to more fully integrate our hundreds of miles of existing routes into a world-class regional trail network. Doing so strengthens the quality of life of people in our state, while helping attract more people to live and work here.”

“Governor Markell has done more to advance the idea of a walkable, bikeable Delaware than any other elected official, and that’s not hyperbole, that’s simply a fact,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, an avid cyclist who has biked with the Governor on several occasions. “During his time in office, Governor Markell has proposed, fought for, and helped secure tens of millions of dollars in funding for Delaware to invest in cycling and pedestrian trails up and down the state. As a result of many of these improvements, we’ve seen Delaware’s ranking by the League of American Bicyclists climb from 31st in 2008, to 18th in 2011, all the way up to 3rd last year. Thanks to Governor Markell, Delawareans and visitors to our state have an unprecedented opportunity to see our state as never before.”

“Thanks to Governor Markell, this trail – and many others already completed under his visionary First State Trails and Pathways Initiative – will continue to link people with opportunities for health, education, recreation and employment for decades to come,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“It is appropriate that we name our newest trail in Delaware after Governor Jack Markell,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We continue to realize his vision to build a world-class trail network across the state that enhances recreational options for residents and visitors, provides alternative transportation routes, and benefits the environment. We are connecting more residents and visitors to the outdoors, and it is a wonderful legacy for our current and future generations.”

The $22.5 million project was completed by JJID Inc. of Bear.

For further information visit www.deldot.gov, or contact DelDOT Community Relations at 1-800-652-5600 or 302-760-2080, or contact DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) annual August redistribution has resulted in Delaware receiving an additional $32,995,605 in federal funding for infrastructure projects. The redistribution dollars represent federal transportation improvement funds that were allocated, but not used by other states. Last year, Delaware received $20,049,671.

“Any time we can add more funding for infrastructure investment in our state is great news. Over the past two years, Delaware has received more than $52 million in federal funding from the redistribution process to advance work on needed infrastructure projects that will have wide-ranging benefits,” said Governor John Carney.

“DelDOT works hard each year to identify projects that are eligible for these dollars and we are appreciative of the FHWA redistribution that allows us to move work forward sooner than previously planned,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

Each summer, FHWA redistributes unused funding for infrastructure programs to projects that are able to utilize the funding before the end of the federal fiscal year. DelDOT will obligate these additional funds for the projects below no later than September 30, 2018:

• US 40 & SR 896 Improvements
• I-95 / SR 896 Interchange Improvements
• Road A / SR7 Improvements
• US 13 – Seaford Paving and Rehabilitation
• US 113 – Georgetown Paving and Rehabilitation