After two years of construction, the Newark Elkton Road project entered its final phase last month.
Elkton Road has been partially closed for this project since August of 2020, with many lane reductions and traffic configurations implemented over the last two years.
New lanes were recently opened, but traffic continues to be confined to a single lane in each direction as the median areas of Elkton Road are reconstructed, guide rails are installed and permanent signage is added. The project is still on schedule to be completed this fall, said Charles McLeod, director of community relations for the Delaware Department of Transportation.
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The project focused on Elkton Road between the Maryland state line and Casho Mill Road and included repaving and widening portions of the road to include three northbound travel lanes; creating more turn lanes; rehabilitating the bridge over the West Branch of the Christina River west of Otts Chapel Road; and adding new traffic signals to the intersections at McIntire Drive, Otts Chapel Road, Interchange Boulevard and Christina Parkway (SR4)/Suburban Drive.
Lane restrictions and shifts are anticipated through September.
The project also added provisions to the roadway to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety, including new lighting throughout the project boundaries, upgraded bicycle, pedestrian and transit facilities and the creation of multiple sidewalks and shared-use paths.
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