The project will add a fifth lane along I-95 in both the Northbound and Southbound directions for all vehicle use. This work is part of a multi-year, multi-project Turnpike Improvement Program that has included work at the Churchman’s Road/SR 7 Intersection and the Churchman’s Road Bridge over I-95; and will also include the upcoming work at the SR1/I-95 Mall Interchange.

Project Need:

Increasing volumes and development south of SR 1 has led to deteriorating levels of service within the area. While morning and evening peaks continue to struggle, this area also has deteriorating traffic conditions at many other times of the day, and often during weekends. While the Department spent much of the 1990’s and early 2000’s promoting and advancing multi-modal alternatives, infrastructure development is still heavily needed in this area.

Project Limits:

• Northbound – the 5th lane will run from the on ramp of SR 1 near the Christiana Mall thru the Churchman’s Marsh, thru the 141 interchange and end just south of the I-495 ramp overpass.
• Southbound – Additional lane from the 141 Interchange SB ramp to just south of the new Churchman’s Road Bridge over I-95.

I-95 5th Lane Project Team

Owner - Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) (deldot.gov)
Prime Contractor - R. E. Pierson Construction Company (www.repiersongroup.com)
Design Team - Rummel Klepper & Kahl (www.rkkengineers.com)
Lead Inspection Team - DMJM Harris/AECOM (www.dmjmharris.com)

Project Costs and Schedules:

• The 5th lane project will be $ 51.9 M
• The schedule will be determined by the contractor in an A + B bidding format. The contractor will bid his costs (the “A” Portion) and his time (the “B” Portion) when he submits the bids. This gives the contractor an incentive to get the project by bidding a lower number of days. The contractor will start work May 2007 and finish November 2008.

Project Restrictions:

• DelDOT will maintain all 4 lanes in each direction during peak hours. The lanes will be reduced from 12-foot lanes to 11-foot lanes.
• DelDOT will maintain one shoulder at all times. This means the one outside lane will be riding next to a barrier with no shoulder and the other outside lane will have a shoulder.
• The work zone for the contractor is very narrow, due to wetland restrictions on the outside and the travel lanes on the inside. This creates a substantial limitation on what the contractor can do, where he can work, where he can store materials, etc.
• The contractor will often reduce lanes at night to increase his work area, to bring in and remove materials, etc.
• The project has substantial damages clauses should the contractor not fully reopen the road each morning at the designated time or meet his completion date (the "B" Portion).
• No additional wetlands are allowed to be touched without the contractor obtaining his own permits from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project Mitigation:

• Education and awareness both instate and out. There are no real alternative routes that are problem/issue free.
• Signal timing improvements along corridors that may experience increased volumes, such as SR 273 and SR 9. Also utilize advanced notice via message boards along I-95.
• Promoting multimodal options with Dart First State and Rideshare/TMA programs.
• A "Clear the Road" policy will be reenacted for the project area. We have gotten legislation approved in the past with this policy that allows us to move minor accident vehicles off the roadway. This is for the typical fender benders. Thus we can open lanes and reduce backups.
• Have held workshops and meetings with communities and businesses over the past 5 years. Will have more meetings as the start of work approaches.
• Currently being scheduled for NCC and Chamber in March 2007. TMA focusing on other large employers to have educational information to let people know what is coming.