MILTON, Del. - DelDOT is warning motorists to expect extended lane closures beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, as construction continues at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 16.
Daytime lane closures on Route 1 will occur Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nighttime closures may also take place any day of the week between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.
On Route 16, daytime lane closures may occur daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with possible nighttime closures between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The lane restrictions are expected to remain in place through April 30 as work continues on the northbound pavement, embankment, and bridge. The traffic pattern in the construction zone will remain unchanged through the fall and winter.
DelDOT says the grade separated intersection project was nominated as part of the 2013 Hazard Elimination Program and is necessary to improve safety and reduce the number of crashes at the intersection.
According to DelDOT, out of all the intersections on Route 1 from Milford to Lewes, Route 16 is the intersection where they've seen the most crashes over the past few years.
Locals, like Betty Tomchak, aren't too fond of Route 1.
"In the summer, from May to September, I avoid Route 1 like the plague," said Tomchak.
Local Liane Haynes hopes that when it's all said and done, the road will be safer.
"Well, that'll make it better I think," said Haynes, referring to the overpass project.
The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2026.