Dover, Del. – To accommodate heavy traffic during the 4th of July, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will suspend planned lane closures at 3 PM on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. At any given time, there may be emergency lane and/or shoulder closures.

The E-ZPass Express Lanes are open at I-95 Newark Toll Plaza; Biddles Toll Plaza and Dover Plaza on SR 1, as well as most of the other cash toll booth lanes at the plazas. Motorists are reminded to slow down when approaching the toll plazas, to ensure the safety of our toll collectors.

Motorists can obtain an E-ZPass account online at ezpassde.com and click on “Get E-ZPass.” Customers can also register for an E-ZPass account in person at any Toll Plaza Customer Service Center 24 hours a day or call 1-888-397-2773 from 7 AM until 7 PM weekdays, and on Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM.

Travelers may stop at the I-95 Welcome Center located between Exits 1 and 3 along I-95 in Newark or at the Smyrna Rest Area/Exit 119 on SR 1.

Below is a brief list of Events for the 4th of July Celebration.

Town of Smyrna/Clayton-4th of July Parade

The parade begins at 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM. The route will require a crossing of DE 300 at Main Street in Smyrna. Variable message boards will be placed in advance to alert motorists to anticipate delays on the route. DelDOT and Wally the Work Zone Warrior will also be participating in the parade.

University of Delaware Athletic Complex

Free parking will be available at the University of Delaware Athletic Complex lots. Motorists can expect delays on SR 896 and SR 4 within the City of Newark beginning around 6 PM and after the fireworks. Please visit www.newarkde.gov

Legislative Hall

Fireworks will take place over Legislative Hall around dusk. Motorists can expect delays in downtown Dover.

Please contact www.dover4thofjuly.com/schedule.html

City of Rehoboth Fireworks

The City of Rehoboth Fireworks will take place on Sunday, July 1, approximately 9:15 PM. Depending on the weather, the fireworks may launch any time after 8 PM.

It’s recommended to use the DART Park & Ride transportation to travel into downtown. Visit www.dartfirststate.com.

Rehoboth Avenue eastbound and Church Street from SR1 will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 8:30 PM. All vehicles will have to enter Rehoboth Beach via State Road or Bayard Avenue.

All traffic north of Rehoboth Avenue should exit Rehoboth Beach via Columbia Avenue and Rehoboth Avenue.

All traffic south of Rehoboth Avenue should Exit Rehoboth Beach via Bayard Avenue southbound (SR1 Southbound traffic only) or via Hickman Street and Munson Street westbound to State Road onto SR1 northbound and southbound.

For further information, visit www.cityofrehoboth.com.

For further information regarding 4th of July fireworks, please contact your local town/city halls or Chambers of Commerce.

Motorists can adjust their routes or travel times by using the DelDOT App, available for Apple and Android smart phones and tablets, and can be downloaded free at the Apple and Google Play stores or at www.deldot.gov and click on the link to stores.

Motorists are encouraged to call the following numbers to report any travel or traffic related issues: Dial #77 from any cell phone in Delaware; (302) 659-4600 or 1-800-324-8379. Please dial 911 for emergencies.

National Dump the Pump Day is a day to highlight the many benefits of using public transportation. Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) announced today that it will join other public transit agencies nationwide participating in the 13th annual Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21, to encourage the use for public transit. From urban to suburban to rural communities, public transportation is a vital resource to Americans. In fact, public transportation helps to make a community economically viable.

Started in June 2006, when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also helps people save money. According to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) May Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,134 annually by downsizing to one car.

Public transportation is the cornerstone of local economies in urban, suburban and rural communities. In fact, every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, powering community growth and revitalization. Additionally, public transportation offers job access to millions of Americans; since 87 percent of public transit trips directly impact the economy.

Last, but not least, public transportation has a proven track record of reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil by 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline a year, and it also saves 37 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. “DART is increasing its use of alternative fuels through our paratransit propane bus program and is purchasing zero-emission electric buses to save fuel costs, reduce harmful emissions and improve public health and our environment,” said John T. Sisson, Chief Executive Officer of DTC.

WHAT: 13th Annual National Dump the Pump Day
WHERE: Delaware Transit Corporation – RIDESHARE Delaware and transit agencies nationwide
WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 2018

So, DTC encourages Delawareans to join millions of others across the country, as they save money by riding public transportation during National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21. Or if you are a frequent rider, take a friend along and remind them that using DART can save you big bucks if you “Dump the Pump” during your daily commute. DART…Ride More. Save More. Do More.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. Real-Time Transit Information is available on the free DelDOT App (iOS and Android), as well as on DART’s Trip Planner at DartFirstState.com. For more information, please call 1-800-652-DART.

Newark, Del. — Governor John Carney and U.S. Senator Tom Carper joined state and local officials on Wednesday for a groundbreaking for the next phase of work on the Newark Regional Transportation Center (NRTC) which will construct the new train station building.

“This new station will become an important hub for thousands of people who live and work within the region,” said Governor John Carney. “Having a state-of-the-art transportation facility here will attract economic development while taking cars off of the road and represents another important infrastructure investment we are making in our state.”

“This transportation center will have an impact not just on passenger rail service to Newark, but on the economy of the entire region,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “TIGER grants are competitive and awarded to projects that will advance mobility, community and sustainability. I worked hard to make sure Delaware got a fair shot at this award, and I’m thrilled it won. Now that the station is almost a reality, I look forward to the day it is up and running and attracting residents and businesses to the area.”

“We are excited that the exposed platform which for years has serviced Amtrak and Septa passengers will soon be gone, and in its place will stand a safe, accessible station that will provide upgraded rail service to the University of Delaware and its ever-growing STAR Campus and the region,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

The improved station will provide an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant high-level platform, expand parking, and provide significantly improved passenger amenities including a station building with bathrooms.

Phase 2 of the project was awarded to Bancroft Construction for $7,622, 320.18 and has a construction schedule of 453 calendar days. The project is partially funded by a $10 million TIGER IV Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Phase 3 of the project will consist of platform and track modifications, and a pedestrian overpass.

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Dover, Del. – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has received a $7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Georgetown East Gateway Project in Sussex County.

The project will construct a multi-modal improvements at the intersection of Route 9, Airport Road and Sandhill Road in Georgetown. Improvements will include roadway realignment, additional turn lanes, signal enhancements, pavement resurfacing, bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, transit stops, and lighting. The current projected cost is $14.6 million and is estimated to begin in spring 2020.

“Improving infrastructure in Sussex County continues to be a priority, and Route 9 is one of our most heavily traveled east/west arteries,” said Governor John Carney. “This project will modernize and improve safety for all those traveling in and around our county seat of Georgetown.”

TIGER grants are fiercely competitive, and are awarded to projects that do more than just fix a problem, they enhance the community,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “As we have more people coming to Sussex County to enjoy our tax free shopping, world class beaches, and a great way of life, we will need to maintain and improve our infrastructure to keep up, and this TIGER grant-a first for Sussex County-will help us do just that.”

“This TIGER grant is a perfect example of how federal investment can help local communities. This funding will provide better access to the Delaware Coastal Airport, CHEER Center and future development of the area while ensuring motorists in Sussex County will have safer travel to their homes and work,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “It’s time to build more of these needed projects in America to help repair our aging infrastructure, get new projects off the ground, and get Americans back to work.”

“The continued investment into Delaware’s roads and infrastructure is not only necessary to ensure our roadways are paved and free of hazards such as potholes, but also in keeping Delaware’s infrastructure modern and up to date with the latest technology and engineering,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “This new TIGER Grant funding will allow the Delaware Department of Transportation to deliver the Georgetown East Gateway project several years earlier than expected, while supporting roadway resurfacing and realignment improvements. Once completed, the Georgetown project will ease traffic flow, enhance roadway lighting, and add additional turn lanes and bike lanes to the area.”

“DelDOT identified this existing intersection for significant pedestrian and traffic improvements as part of our Hazard Elimination Program. We are very excited to receive this federal grant that will help us deliver this needed project for Sussex County,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“Sussex County is pleased to see DelDOT and the federal government’s investment in the Georgetown East Gateway project. The US 9/Airport Road/Sandhill Road intersection serves as a critical link in the local transportation system, and is the main entrance to the Delaware Coastal Airport and the County’s Emergency Operations Center. Unfortunately, over the years, this intersection has become a confusing, inefficient, and, frankly, frustrating mess. We believe the TIGER grant will assist in improving access to both eastern Georgetown and the County’s facilities at the airport; which is greatly needed; and make travel to, from and through Georgetown much easier for our local and visiting motorists.” said Sussex County Administrator Todd F. Lawson.

Secretary of Education honors school bus drivers and aides

Families, students and educators are celebrating the bus drivers and bus aides in Delaware who take more than 121,000 students safely to schools each day as part of the 11th annual national Love the Bus program this month.

Governor John Carney issued a proclamation recognizing school bus drivers and aides for their contributions to safe school transportation. Additionally, Secretary of Education Susan Bunting and Superintendent Dan Shelton greeted and thanked school bus drivers and aides after they dropped off students at William Henry Middle School in the Capital School District this morning.

The Love the Bus program, founded in 2007 and coordinated by the American School Bus Council (ASBC), is celebrated on Valentine’s Day, and throughout February, in school communities across the country as a way to raise awareness and appreciation for the hundreds of thousands of school bus drivers who safely transport more than 25 million school children to and from school each day. It is also an opportunity for families and children to learn more about the safety and environmental benefits of school bus transportation. Delawareans are encouraged to share their love online with the hashtag #DElovesthebus.

“The bus drivers and aides who safely transport Delaware’s students to school and back each day have challenging jobs,” Bunting said. “Love the Bus is a great opportunity to thank those who care for our children every day.”

To help celebrate Love the Bus, families, teachers and children are encouraged to visit the program’s Web site, http://www.americanschoolbuscouncil.org to share stories about their favorite bus drivers. Educators also may log on to the site to download an educator’s toolkit, which provides details on incorporating Love The Bus into their lesson plans and offers best practices for communicating about pupil transportation.

Bus drivers receive specialized classroom and behind-the-wheel training in driving a school bus, student loading/unloading procedures, student evacuation, student behavior and security management. All school bus drivers also are required to participate in pre-employment, random and post-accident drug and alcohol testing, frequent driving record checks, and pass periodic medical exams to ensure they are physically qualified. Bus aides receive specialized training to care for those students with special needs.

In addition to the qualified drivers and aides, school buses are, by far, the safest vehicles on the road. Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely if they take the school bus versus traveling by car, according to American School Bus Council statistics.

Find photos from today’s event here.

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006