DelDOT Preparing for First Winter Storm of Season

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is preparing for the arrival of a statewide snow event. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Kent and Sussex Counties from 4:00 a.m. Monday to 4:00 p.m. Monday, and a Winter Weather Advisory for New Castle County from 4:00 a.m. Monday to 4:00 p.m. Monday.

The storm is forecast to bring varying amounts of accumulating snow across the state, with higher totals expected in southern Delaware. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph may limit visibility as well as cause damage to trees and power lines.

DelDOT will be bringing in staff beginning early Monday morning in advance of the storm and motorists should expect difficult travel conditions throughout the morning as roads could become snow-covered rapidly during the heaviest period of snowfall.

Motorists are advised to slow down and adjust their driving to the conditions, leaving plenty of space between other vehicles as stopping distances increase greatly on snow- and ice-covered roads, allow for extra time to reach destinations, and give snow plows plenty of room to work.

At this time, DART plans to operate fixed route and paratransit bus services on their regular weekday schedule, however, delays should be expected and customers should check www.dartfirststate.com and the DART app for real-time updates.

The DelDOT snow plow tracker will be active during the storm and is available via the DelDOT smartphone app and www.deldot.gov under the interactive maps icon. DelDOT also has more than 200 traffic cameras that are available to view road conditions around the state.


State of Delaware Offices in Kent, New Castle Closing at 1:30 P.M.

Drivers should exercise caution on Delaware roadways 

WILMINGTON, Del. – State of Delaware offices in Kent and New Castle counties will close at 1:30 p.m. due to inclement weather. Non-essential State employees who live or work in Kent or New Castle counties may leave work at 1:30 p.m. when offices close.

“Thank you to our crews from the Delaware Department of Transportation, who are continuing their work to clear roadways,” said Governor Carney. “Drivers should be mindful of crews while out on the roads and exercise caution throughout this storm.”

Motorists may monitor real-time conditions, snow plow activity, and traffic cameras by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded free. Motorists can also listen to WTMC 1380 AM for updates on road conditions.

Visit de.gov/weather for weather-related information, including school closing notifications and real-time traffic reports.

 


Governor Carney Announces Level 1 Driving Warning for Kent and New Castle Counties

Driving warning begins at 2:45 p.m.; motorists to exercise extra caution

WILMINGTON, Del. – With snowfall intensifying, Governor John Carney has issued a Level 1 Driving Warning for Kent County and New Castle County beginning at 2:45 p.m. The Level 1 Driving Warning will remain in effect until further notice.

A Level 1 Driving Warning means:

  • Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle.
  • Motorists are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.

“With snowfall continuing to accumulate across Kent and New Castle counties, everyone who can stay off the roads, should stay off the roads,” said Governor Carney. “DelDOT crews are working hard to keep our roadways clear. Thank you to everyone from DelDOT, the Delaware National Guard, and all state and local officials for their work responding to this storm.”

Effective at midnight on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, Governor Carney issued a State of Emergency statewide authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery efforts. The authorization allowed the National Guard to mobilize resources to assist with response related to heavy snow in New Castle County, and potential coastal flooding in Kent and Sussex counties.

The State of Emergency also directs state agencies to assist in response and recovery efforts in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. The State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice.

State of Delaware offices in Kent and New Castle counties remain closed through 11:59 p.m. For details and updates on state office closings, click here.

Motorists may monitor real-time conditions, snow plow activity, and traffic cameras by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded free. Search for “DelDOT” in the Apple and Google Play stores. Motorists can also listen to WTMC 1380 AM for updates on road conditions.

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Visit de.gov/weather for weather-related information, including school closing notifications and real-time traffic reports.

See all news related to this current snow event.


DelDOT Winter Storm Update #2

Snow has begun falling over Delaware and DelDOT cautions motorists that road conditions will worsen as the full impact of the storm moves across the state today.

As of 10:00 a.m., no driving restrictions have been implemented, though motorists should use caution as slippery conditions are possible.

Governor Carney has announced that State of Delaware offices in Kent County are closing on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from noon until 11:59 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent County are to leave for the day at noon. Essential employees are to remain at work and report as scheduled.

Governor Carney also declared a State of Emergency effective at 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 21, 2018, for the entire state. The authorization allows the National Guard to mobilize resources to assist with response related to heavy snow in New Castle County, and potential coastal flooding in Kent and Sussex counties. The State of Emergency also directs state agencies to assist in response and recovery efforts in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

DelDOT will continue to provide regular updates throughout the duration of the storm event. Answers to commonly asked questions regarding snow removal can be found on the DelDOT Snow FAQ.

Real-time traffic conditions are available via the free DelDOT smartphone app and at www.deldot.gov.


DelDOT Winter Storm Update #1

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) continues to treat roads and prepare for the arrival of a statewide snow event. As of 9:00 p.m., DelDOT maintenance & operations yards in New Castle County are fully staffed and treating roadways due to icy conditions. In Kent County, half of staff will report at 2:00 a.m., and will be fully staffed by 7:00 a.m. For Sussex County, a quarter of staff will report at 2:00 a.m., and will be fully staffed by 7:00 a.m. Staff will also be monitoring Route 1 for potential flooding south of Dewey Beach throughout the storm.

Governor Carney has declared a State of Emergency effective at 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 21, 2018, for the entire state. The authorization will allow the National Guard to mobilize resources to assist with response related to heavy snow in New Castle County, and potential coastal flooding in Kent and Sussex counties. The State of Emergency also directs state agencies to assist in response and recovery efforts in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

Due to the forecasted severe conditions, Governor John Carney has announced State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will be closed Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

No driving restrictions have been implemented at this time, though motorists should use caution throughout the overnight hours as slippery conditions are possible.

The Wilmington and Delaware City DMVs will be closed on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

DART First State transit services crews have prepared equipment, service contractors have been notified, and snow removal contractors have been put on notice. Reservations and Control Center are prepared for a high volume of calls due to the possibility of passengers wanting to cancel or reschedule paratransit trips as the storm approaches.

DelDOT will continue to provide regular updates throughout the duration of the storm event. Please contact C.R. McLeod, DelDOT Director of Community Relations with any storm-related questions at 302-388-2303, or Charles.mcleod@delaware.gov.

Real-time traffic conditions are available via the free DelDOT smartphone app and at www.deldot.gov.