Delaware’s congressional delegation announced a nearly $57 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Delaware Department of Transportation for the construction of a redesigned interchange at I-95 and State Route 896. The new interchange will improve safety and reduce congestion by adding two flyovers, realigning existing ramps, and addressing other deficiencies with the current roadway geometry.
At present, 60 percent of vehicles on I-95 traveling southbound exit at State Route 896, creating congestion and safety issues.
This project will create a dedicated exit ramp for southbound 896 for motorists off of I-95, as well as a dedicated on-ramp from 896 to northbound I-95. The total project cost is $143 million, and with this grant award, construction will now begin in the fall of 2022, two years earlier than expected.
The funding for this project comes from the U.S. DOT’s Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program, or INFRA Grants program.
“As the leading Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, one of my top priorities is to improve our nation’s transportation systems so that our drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians do not put their lives at risk simply by using our roadways. This major grant of federal funding will go a long way to improve safety and, ultimately, save lives along the I-95 corridor in Delaware. By reducing traffic and easing congestion, this project will greatly reduce fatalities and serious injuries while better facilitating commerce in our state. These safety improvements will spur economic growth and less congestion will enable greater access to the City of Newark, the University of Delaware and its blossoming STAR Campus,” Senator Tom Carper said.
“This funding and this project are really about the safety of Delaware commuters, including students who use this interchange almost every day. Any parent who uses this intersection or has kids who frequently drive to and from Glasgow High School, Newark High School, or other schools farther down 896, knows that improving the safety and capacity of this interchange is long overdue,” said Sen. Chris Coons. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought hard to secure this funding, and I’m excited that these long-awaited improvements will soon be underway to help our growing Newark and Middletown communities stay safe on the road.”
“Improving the safety of the I-95 and 896 interchange has been a priority for our state for a long time now. This INFRA Grant from the Department of Transportation means that we can finally address the safety and capacity issues on 896,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I want to thank DelDOT for their work in securing the grant and spearheading the project, Senator Carper, who sits on the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Senator Coons, who sits on the Appropriations Committee, for their tireless efforts on behalf of all Delawareans, and the Federal Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of this project for Delaware.”
Additional information can be found on the DelDOT project page.
