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The US 113 North/South Study is examining potential improvements throughout the entire length of US 113 in Delaware, from the Maryland state line in Selbyville to SR 1 north of Milford. The study is divided into four geographic areas from south to north: Millsboro-South (including Millsboro, Dagsboro, Frankford, and Selbyville), Georgetown, Ellendale, and Milford.

For each of these areas, environmental studies are required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). NEPA ensures that proper study of potential human, cultural, and natural environmental impacts is conducted for each alternative under consideration. The studies describe the impact of the proposed US 113 alternatives, as well as ways to minimize and mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Environmental studies for the US 113 North/South Study continue to advance. The Millsboro-South Area Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was published and made available to the public on August 16, 2013.The Georgetown Area and Ellendale Area Environmental Assessments (EA) were approved, and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued for the Ellendale Area.

US 113 North/South Study Recommended Preferred Alternatives Map

The current status of activities in each of the four areas is summarized below:

Millsboro-South Area

At hearings in September 2013 DelDOT presented a recommended preferred alternative for the Millsboro-South Area of US 113. That alternative, the Blue Alternative, was based on the General Assembly’s mandate for a limited-access north-south highway in Sussex County as well as strong support from a working group composed of local landowners and officials. At the hearing stakeholders expressed substantial opposition regarding the scope and impacts of the Blue Alternative. Many attendees suggested that a US 113 bypass south of Millsboro is not needed. Several members of the General Assembly also noted that provision of a limited-access highway is no longer important to them.

DelDOT heard these messages clearly and went back to the drawing board to consider options that will respond to community concerns while still addressing transportation needs now and in the future. The Blue Alternative is no longer being considered. Beginning with the start of the 2014 summer season, DelDOT obtained new traffic counts and conducted additional studies to determine whether a scaled-back approach could still solve transportation concerns in the Millsboro-South Area.

DelDOT held a Public Hearing on February 7 , 2017 to update and inform area residents about the changes that have taken place and show the new alternative under consideration. Click to follow the link February 7, Public Hearing information.

Learn more about the Millsboro-South Area.

Georgetown Area

The Georgetown Area Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed in 2012. The EA contains the environmental analysis of the Refined On-Alignment Recommended Preferred Alternative that DelDOT announced in June 2007. Approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the natural and human environment was issued on March 28, 2014. The issuance of a FONSI by FHWA concludes the environmental process for the Georgetown Area. Elements of the Refined On-Alignment Alternative will transition into preliminary engineering as funding becomes available.

Learn more about the Georgetown Area.

Ellendale Area

The Ellendale Area Environmental Assessment (EA) was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on September 28, 2010 with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the natural and human environment. The approved EA contains the environmental analysis of the selected On-Alignment Alternative. The issuance of a FONSI by FHWA concludes the environmental process for the Ellendale Area. Elements of the On-Alignment Alternative will transition into preliminary engineering as funding becomes available.

Learn more about the Ellendale Area.

Milford Area

As of July 1, 2007, the General Assembly removed funding for the Milford and Lincoln portion of the US 113 North/South Study and requested that DelDOT work to achieve consensus on an alignment. After further analysis and consultation with local leaders, DelDOT informed the General Assembly on January 23, 2008 that "there is no community consensus for a compromise alternative." No work is currently underway in the Milford Area.

Learn more about the Milford Area.