DART to Make Improvements Based on Rider Feedback from Recent Community Conversations

WILMINGTON, Del. – After reviewing customer feedback from three Community Conversations in Wilmington and Newark last week, DART will make a series of improvements. The recent Community Conversations offered DART riders, and the general public, the opportunity to provide feedback and share their experiences since DART’s service changes in mid-December.

“The Community Conversations were intended to present a comfortable forum for our riders to talk one-on-one with DART employees. Staff was able to get meaningful feedback from our customers, and really listen to their specific concerns,” said Delaware Transit CEO, John Sisson. “There were definitely common themes, including the need for more shelters and benches, and restoring a stop at Rodney Square for some routes that pass right by on the way out of town. We’re pleased to be able to address some of the issues sooner, rather than waiting until the May service change.”

The improvements include adding seating at new bus shelters on French St. at 8th St., as well as 10th St. at Tatnall St. In addition, shelters/canopies are being ordered for installation along King Street at 10th St. alongside the library, at 9th and 6th Streets. Beginning this Sunday, February 11, the Rodney Square stop on 10th St. will be restored for service for Routes 2, 6 and 28.

Sisson points out that after restoring service on Routes 2, 6 and 28 next week, there will still be 15 routes serving stops at the square; however, the other route changes will remain in effect and will not be restored to Rodney Square.

“As I have stated before, the success of our state depends in large part on the success of Wilmington,” said Governor Carney. “Rodney Square, which was never intended to serve as a transit hub, can and should be the crown jewel of Wilmington. We must continue the work to revitalize the Square as a historic public park. We’re continuing to make improvements to our transit system that balance the needs of riders and those who use Rodney Square.”

In addition to concerns, several riders offered support to some of the recent changes, including the new route combinations. In addition to relieving congestion on the streets surrounding Rodney Square, by combining some routes, DART is able to offer a one-seat ride, eliminating the need to transfer for those traveling through Wilmington.

Bus Route 4, which was combined with Route 24 and operates between Edgemoor through downtown Wilmington to Prices Corner, has experienced on-time performance issues. Based on actual bus running times, it’s apparent that more time was built into the schedule than what is needed. A revised schedule is being developed with a tentative release date of March 4.

Senator Robert Marshall said, “Bus riders from Wilmington and other places are returning to Rodney Square and new bus shelters and canopies will protect riders from inclement weather. This is a positive first step. John Sisson, DTC CEO, listened to riders and advocates at public meetings and acted in the best interest of DART riders. I view this as a friendly change affirmed by Governor Carney and Cabinet Secretary Cohan with more rider-friendly improvements to our public transit system in the future.”

DART heard concerns regarding other routes, including Routes 13 and 18, that are being reviewed for DART’s May service change. Service proposals will be presented at upcoming Public Hearing Workshops:

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 – 11 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Wilmington Public Library, The Commons
10 East 10th Street, Wilmington 19801

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 – 1 PM to 3 PM
Dover Public Library (Multi-Purpose Room A)
35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901

Thursday, March 8, 2018 – 3 PM to 5 PM
Milford Public Library (Lions Club Room A)
11 SE Front Street, Milford, DE 19963

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 www.DartFirstState.com.

Governor Carney and Mayor Purzycki Announce Investments in Wilmington Infrastructure

Twenty transportation projects in Wilmington will lead to $258 million investment

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki were joined today by state and local officials, residents, and members of the business community at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Train Station in Wilmington to highlight the significant infrastructure investments being made in the City of Wilmington.

Twenty projects underway or in planning stages by the Delaware Department of Transportation and the City of Wilmington will lead to a city investment of $258 million over the next six years. The investments includes $165 million for the upcoming two-year or more reconstruction of the I-95 Wilmington corridor. Governor Carney and Mayor Purzycki also announced today the awarding of contract for the construction and operation of the nearly $20 million Public Private Initiative for the Wilmington Transit Center to Transit Center, LLC. The new transportation hub for the city will be constructed adjacent to the Biden Train Station on Walnut Street.

“Alongside Mayor Purzycki, we’re working hard to invest in infrastructure in our city, which will help create jobs, improve travel, and spur economic development,” said Governor Carney. “Wilmington has been my home for three decades and we have to work together to reenergize our business district and strengthen our neighborhoods. These infrastructure improvements are an important part of this effort.”

Among the projects highlighted by the Governor and Mayor today were more than $12 million in pedestrian and transit improvements throughout downtown, reconfiguring Union Street, the removal of the Walnut Street Sweep, improved pedestrian and transit facilities on Fourth Street, and continued streetscape improvements in Southbridge. There projects are in addition to the previously announced construction of the Christina River Bridge on the Wilmington Riverfront will provide a much needed southern entrance and exit to the Wilmington Riverfront that will encourage further development on the Southbridge side of the river.

“The Governor and DelDOT Secretary Cohan have been steadfast in their commitment to improving vehicular travel, public transit and pedestrian safety in Wilmington by supporting projects that make travel more convenient for our citizens, workers and visitors,” said Mayor Purzycki. “We have a collective understanding that the economic benefits of infrastructure investment are significant, and as Wilmington’s neighborhoods and businesses become stronger, our City will contribute more to Delaware’s vibrancy and prosperity.”

“We are making major infrastructure improvements throughout the state, spending more than $780 million this year alone. These improvements in our state’s largest city will positively impact all who live and work in Wilmington,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

Other projects include:

ADA improvements on Pennsylvania Avenue
Streetscaping projects on Concord Avenue and Old Brandywine Village
King and Orange Street Transit Improvements
Maryland Avenue Paving and Rehabilitation

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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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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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