Welcome to the Delaware Department of Transportation's virtual workshop. The goals of the virtual workshop format are to make it easier for the public to view the project information and to reduce the costs involved in traditional public workshops. This is a workshop regarding the replacement of Old Kennett Road Retaining Walls.

Project Description and Photos Old Kennett Road crosses over an unnamed tributary to Red Clay Creek between Way Road and Haystack Lane in New Castle County, Wilmington, Delaware. The road is supported on soil fill retained by two stone masonry walls, flanking the north and south side of the roadway . See [ Photo 1] , [ Photo 2] and [ Photo 3] . The existing pipe culvert is a 36-inch diameter pipe [ Photo 5] . DelDOT's bridge management system has identified this structure as being in need of replacement.
The existing north and south walls measure at approximately 40 feet and 61 feet respectively. Deterioration of the existing stone masonry and measured displacement of the wall systems have resulted in these walls to be structurally deficient. See [ Photo 4] and [ Photo 7] . Additionally, excessive erosion is occurring at the eastern end of the south wall. See [ Photo 6] . Although the current state of the structure is safe to carry traffic at this time, the overall condition of the structure warrants a full replacement of walls and pipe culvert.

Construction Plan DelDOT is proposing to replace the existing walls with two new reinforced concrete walls and the existing pipe culvert with a new 60-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe. Additionally, the drop inlet structure which controls the pond water elevation to the north see [ Photo 4] , will be replaced. Additional work will include the construction of new roadway pavement, a widened pavement section through the limits of the walls, and placement of riprap to the roadside embankment to improve current erosion. Re-striping of the roadway will also be performed. Work is expected to begin in the Summer of 2023.

Bridge Plan, Section and Elevation | Project Renderings. The proposed north and south concrete retaining walls will measure 54 feet and 80 feet in length respectively. The additional length of wall, when compared to existing, was required to accommodate roadside grading and to prevent further erosion that's currently exhibited along the existing walls (See Photo 6). The walls were also located to accommodate an increase pavement width, allowing for a 10.5-foot lane and 2-foot shoulder in each direction. The proposed wall thickness will be 1'-4 1/2". Architectural surface treatments will be provided on the exterior face of the walls by means of concrete form liners and concrete staining. The treatment is intended to ensure the newly constructed walls appear similar to that of the existing stone masonry construction in the area. An architectural rendering displaying an example of the final condition of the proposed walls has been provided.

Maintenance of Traffic: Because of the nature of the work and DelDOT’s commitment to safety of the public, the roadway will be closed for the duration of the project. Access to all parcels located along Old Kennett Road will remain. A detour will be in place which will utilize Owls Nest Road, Kennett Pike, and Snuff Mill Road to circumnavigate the travel public around the project site. A more detailed detour route can be found under [detour information] on this project site.

Right-of-Way Plan Although we strive to perform as much of our work within our existing right-of-way as possible, sometimes the nature of the work requires a larger area than what is provided, as is the case for this project, as is the case for this project.
A 15 foot wide temporary construction easement will be required along the north wall while a variable width temporary construction easement, with a maximum width of 40 feet, will be required along the south wall. These construction easements will allow for contractor access, excavation, and installation of temporary shoring where required. All areas disturbed within these limits shall be restored to their natural condition upon completion of work.
Additionally, a variable width permanent easement will be required along the south wall with a maximum of 35 feet. This permanent easement is necessary to allow DelDOT maintenance forces to access the area along the south wall for maintenance and inspection of the proposed wall structure and the proposed drainage swale.
The current Existing Right-of-Way which is established through Permanent Easement will be purchased by DelDOT through Fee-Simple within the limits of construction.

A real estate representative will contact any impacted property owners to review the Department's Real Estate process.

If you would like to make comments, you may submit comments by clicking on the link, "Virtual Workshop Survey/Comments". Or you may call toll free to 800-652-5600, or call locally in the Dover area, 760-2080. Comments may also be mailed to:

DelDOT Community Relations
P.O. Box 778
Dover, Delaware 19903

Comments are due within 45 days of the posting of this virtual workshop on the internet. Thank you for participating in the Delaware Department of Transportation's virtual workshop.