MILFORD, DELAWARE (1/31/2015) In less than two years, motorists on Delaware’s major beach route will have one less traffic light to slow their progress.
Work is set to begin on a new overpass on Route 1 at Thompsonville Road north of Milford. The projced will eliminate a signal that has been the scene of 122 accidents over the past decade, with more than 80 percent of these rear-end crashes.
Groundbreaking for the $11.5 million interchange was held nearby on Friday, with Gov. Jack Markell, Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt and other officials in attendance.
Markell said, “The Thompsonville Road/Route 1 intersection project epitomizes the wide-ranging benefits of strengthening our infrastructure. Not only will this construction improve safety and reduce traffic congestion, but it will put Delawareans to work, improving overall quality of life and strengthening our economy.”
Bhatt said the project will eliminate one of seven hazardous spots remaining along the length of the highway.
Overpasses added in recent years at Route 9 near Dover and Route 12 in north Frederica eliminated those dangerous grade-level crossovers, with future projects to include Bowers Beach Road in Little Heaven and Frederica Road/Milford Neck Road south of Frederica.
In addition to eliminating the traffic light at Thompsonville Road, the latest project will extend Thompsonville Road on the west side of Route 1 to the intersection of Tub Mill Pond and Church Hill roads.
Median crossovers in the area also will be eliminated.
The contractor is Mumford & Miller Concrete, based in Middletown.