The northbound lanes of I-495 through Wilmington were reopened to traffic Saturday as a delicate realignment of piers went smoothly. The southbound lanes were reopened on July 31.
The reopening came as much as a month ahead of original estimates, thanks to a lack of problems and an ability to get materials into place without delays.
The earlier-than-expectred opening also avoids added congestion that would have occurred when schools opened. Congestion had clogged traffic in and around northern Delaware.
“Fully reopening this vital economic link in Delaware and along the northeast in less than three months is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many individuals,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “Getting this work done quickly was important, but the safety of the traveling public and the many job site workers was very important too. I want to thank Secretary Bhatt, the entire project team at DelDOT, and all of the contractors who gave so much to this project over the last few months. I also want to thank the city for its partnership and our congressional delegation for their support. Finally, I want to thank the traveling public for their patience as DelDOT has worked around the clock to get this highway back in service.”
I-495 has been closed to traffic since June 2 The 4,800 foot bridge normally carries about 90,000 vehicles per day.
Realigning the tilted bridge has been a collaborative effort between DelDOT, Delaware’s Congressional delegation, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, AECOM and J.D. Eckman, Inc.
Delaware-based subcontractors and construction trades have also been employed on the project, which has an estimated cost of $45 million. Federal transportation dollars are paying for the project.
“Although the permanent repairs to the bridge are still underway, we are all pleased to be able to restore traffic for the tens of thousands of motorists who use this highway every day,” Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt said.. “Equally important is that from June 3 through today, we have received nothing but support and cooperation from all of our federal, state, and local partners.”
Work is now under way to determine the cause of the shifting of piers. Soil stored at the site has been suspected as the reason for the shift.
There was also criticism over DelDOT not acting on earlier warnings about the pier problem.
