Newark’s Elkton Road expansion set to begin in the spring of 2020.
The two-year road construction project will completely makeover Elkton Road between Casho Mill Road and the Maryland state line.
DelDOT officials say the roadway surface has deteriorated and needs total reconstruction. The project will also address future capacity improvements and accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
Plans call for the complete reconstruction of concrete pavement and widening the roadway by adding a third eastbound through lane between Otts Chapel Road and SR 4. Upgraded bicycle and pedestrian facilities will include a 10′ wide multi-use path.
The design phase is complete and right of way acquisitions are near completion, according to DelDOT. The $25 million road reconstruction project has been advertised for bidding and is anticipated to be awarded in January 2020.
For months crews have been removing trees and relocating utility poles along the corridor in preparation for the spring start date.
Project Outline
Project Goals
• Pavement reconstruction
• Capacity and operational improvements
• Safety improvements
• Bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Right-of-Way Acquisitions July 2017 – July 2018
Complete Design July 2018
Advance Utility Relocations Fall/Winter 2018
Anticipated Start of Construction Spring 2019
Phase 1 (Reconstruct Northbound Travel Lanes) 12 months
Phase 2 (Reconstruct Southbound Travel Lanes) 12 months
Anticipated End of Construction Spring 2021
Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvements
• Add pedestrian signals and crosswalks at signalized intersections
• Add a 10’ wide multi-use path with 2 pedestrian bridges from Stone Gate Blvd (MD) to Gravenor Lane
• Add bike lanes at signalized intersections and entrances
• Connect missing sidewalk link from DuPont Stine Haskell frontage to Suburban Plaza frontage
• Provide sidewalk connections to transit stops
Construction Phasing and Impacts
• Phase 1 – Reconstruct northbound Elkton Road and shift motorists to southbound side of Elkton Road to provide one travel lane in each direction
• Phase 2 – Reconstruct southbound Elkton Road and shift motorists to northbound side of Elkton Road to provide one travel lane in each direction
• For both construction phases:
• Turn lanes will be maintained at signalized intersections
• Innovative technology will be used to accelerate pavement construction at intersections and accesses
• Pavement construction at intersections and accesses will be done at night or on weekends
• Detours will be used during night and weekend closures as needed
