Delaware River and Bay Authority. officials announced that the new Baltimore Ramp from U.S. Route 13 north to I-295 southbound will open to traffic on Sunday evening, July 15, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Completion of this new ramp ends a two-plus year detour that moved motorists onto I-295 northbound to U.S. Route 9 northbound and then onto I-295 southbound. In the event of inclement weather, the opening date for the new ramp will be postponed to Monday evening, July 16.
The DRBA has jurisdiction over I-295 in the area of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
“The I-295 southbound reconstruction project remains on schedule,” said Brent Van Lith, senior project engineer. “With about 25 percent of the project remaining, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The goal of the whole reconstruction project is to rehabilitate the approach to roads and ramps to improve the highway’s efficiency and safety while limiting the impact on the traffic patterns and the traveling public during the construction. At the conclusion of the project, I-295 southbound mainline traffic lanes will have 50 percent more capacity, a DRBA release stated.
The final stage of the I-295 Southbound Reconstruction Project from Landers Lane to I-95 is expected to begin in August.
During this stage of construction, like the two preceding it, two southbound mainline through-lanes will be maintained at all times.
Motorists should expect to experience delays, especially during peak travel times. The following traffic pattern changes can be expected during Stage 3:
- The US 13 south to I-295 south ramp will be closed for a two week period to allow for reconstruction. Follow the detour: Take US 13 south to U-turn at I-295 north, US 13 north to I-295 south ramp. U-turn pavement will be added at the left turn along with a temporary traffic light.
- Night time paving operations on I-295NB to reduce the vertical curve (dip) at the removed “Baltimore” ramp crossover bridge.
- Traffic on I-295 south, between I-95 north ramp and I-95 south, will be shifted to the right to allow for reconstruction on the left lane and shoulder.
Mumford & Miller Concrete, Inc. of Middletown, Delaware is doing the reconstruction work at a cost of $34 million.
When highway construction work is substantially complete in December, the DRBA will have spent more than $90 million to improve the region’s infrastructure during the course of the I-295 Delaware Memorial Bridge Approach Road Rehabilitation program.
A detailed map of the I-295 Southbound Reconstruction project can be found at www.drba.net/295.aspx
