The City of Dover Signalization Improvements project began in 2004, after the General Assembly authorized the Department to upgrade and assume responsibility for the downtown City of Dover traffic signal system. Following a period of survey and design, construction at the first signal sight began in November 2006, at the intersection of Division and Ridgley Street.

The project involves a total of 18 signalized intersections located in downtown Dover, initially owned and maintained by the City of Dover. As of January 2007, DelDOT assumed ownership and maintenance responsibilities for all 18 intersections in the City. The project results in the replacement of each signal with ornamental mast arms and pedestrian poles. Pedestrian facilities (e.g., curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals) will be upgraded to meet current American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Intersections included in this project are:

• Division Street at:
  • Ridgley Street
  • Queen Street
  • New Street
  • Governors Avenue
  • State Street
• State Street at:
  • Reed Street
• West Loockerman Street at:
  • Queen Street
  • New Street
  • Governors Avenue
  • State Street
  • Legislative Avenue
• North Street at:
  • Queen Street
  • New Street
  • Governors Avenue
  • State Street
• Water Street at:
  • Queen Street
  • Governors Avenue
  • State Street

A crucial step in the construction process involved linking each City of Dover traffic signal to the DelDOT Transportation Management Center (TMC), via various communication technologies. This process allows DelDOT to modify traffic signal timings as necessary to provide for efficient traffic flow, both during and after construction.

The project will be built one intersection at a time, with an estimate of 3-4 weeks work time per location. Construction activities will require lane closures and detour routes.

Funding is already in place for the Division Street and Governors Avenue corridors (8 intersections) at a cost estimate of $1.7 million, with expected completion during FY2007. We anticipate completion of the remaining 10 intersections in FY2008, pending the approval of the FY2008 budget. The anticipated costs of the remaining intersections is $1.7 - $2.0 million. This entire project is 100% federally funded.

The Dover Signalization Project will provide the following benefits to motorists and pedestrians:

• Replacement of aging traffic signal equipment with new, aesthetically pleasing equipment.
• Enhanced pedestrian facilities, compliant with current ADA regulations.
• Improved signal coordination, particularly between previously owned City signals and DelDOT signals.
• Reduced travel time and delays, due to improved signal coordination and ability of the TMC (staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to continuously monitor and adjust signal timings. This will be particularly beneficial during peak hours and special events, such as during Race Weekend.
• Improved response time for emergency vehicles.

The contractor for this project is Kriss Contracting, Inc., of Hartly, Delaware.