The first phase of the construction of the new U.S. 301 toll road in Delaware is nearing completion ahead of schedule, according to the state’s department of transportation.
The 1.8-mile first phase of the 14-mile-long project, which includes a bridge over Drawyer Creek, is expected to be completed 41 days ahead of its May 5 deadline, despite contractor R.E. Pierson Construction Company experiencing 183 days of work stoppages due to weather, DelDOT says. Construction of the road section began February 29, 2016.
The other six phases are occurring simultaneously, with a goal of completing the $636 million toll road by the end of 2018.
“With efforts underway such as the Port of Wilmington expansion, it is critical that freight traffic can move easily through the region, and the new U.S. 301 will be a great asset as we look to grow businesses that are already here and attract new ones to invest and build in Delaware,” says Gov. John Carney.
The other phases of the project and their contractors are as follows:
- Route 896 to State Route 1; by Tutor Perini.
- U.S. Route 301 and SR 1 Interchange; by Tutor Perini.
- Constructing the intersection at U.S. 13 and Port Penn Road providing toll-free access to SR 1; by Diamond Materials.
- U.S. Route 301, Levels Road to Summit Bridge Road; by Allen Meyers Contractors.
- Rebuilding the intersection at Summit Bridge and Armstrong Corner roads, near Middletown; by A-Del Construction.
- U.S. Route 301, Maryland state line to Levels Road; by Greggo & Ferrara Inc. The company also won the $8 million contract to construct the road’s toll infrastructure.