DelDOT plans preliminary work on Route 113 project

State transportation officials are moving forward with work on the Route 113 project.

As a result of continuing conversations with local legislators regarding the future of the project in southern Delaware, Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt has announced the agency will do the following:

• DelDOT will immediately move to terminate the state's reservation agreement for The Moorings at Pepper's Creek near Dagsboro.

• Start design work for the Ellendale segment this fall; construction would start in late 2013 or early 2014.

• Submit a draft environmental impact statement for the Georgetown segment to the Federal Highway Administration in October, seek public comments in early 2012; and receive final federal approval sometime in the summer of 2012.  Once the environmental document is approved, design work would take place in 2012 and 2013 with construction beginning in late 2014 or early 2015.   The timing of design and construction for this segment depend on available funding.

• Complete the environmental impact statement for the Millsboro-South segment south of Georgetown to the Maryland state   line, with the understanding that the project would be phased, with the portion south of Millsboro not expected to be designed for 15 to 20 years.  The statement would then be submitted to the FHWA for review and comment, with the approved draft presented to the public for comment.  For the Route 24 connector, the impact statement will consider multiple alignments, including a connector through Patriot’s Landing or through the Doe Run Nature Preserve.

“We are continuing to make progress on a project that will open up central Sussex County for job creation and future economic opportunity, as well as enhance travel. Reaching a plan that will improve safety and traffic flow while meeting legal, safety and environmental requirements is a challenge that includes a thorough review of all the options. After today’s conversation, we will resume seeking the federal approval that will be needed to secure funding for the project.  I want to assure citizens we are being thoughtful and deliberative as we move forward," Bhatt said.