Deldot aims to improve safety at dangerous Rt. 1 intersection

As it stands right now, the intersection of Milford Neck Rd. and Rt. 1 is fairly dangerous according to transportation officials. That’s one of the main reasons why the Delaware Department of Transportation broke ground a project Friday that’s going to make the area significantly safer for drivers.

The Rt. 1 Federica Grade Separated Intersection Project will add an overpass over Rt. 1 that will connect Milford Neck Rd. and Federica Rd. It will also create two access roads alongside Route one with acceleration and deceleration lanes.

According to Deldot officials over 30 accidents have happened in that area over the past three years.

“Milford neck road comes in at very bad skew, so it makes it difficult for drivers to either get on north or sound bound Rt. 1, or to even cross over because of that skew they almost have to look over backwards to see what’s coming,” said Tom Banez, project manager for Deldot.

The project is just the latest part of Deldot’s commitment to improving safety and the flow of traffic on Rt. 1 for Delawareans and tourists traveling to and from Delaware Beaches.

“In addition, it’s going to be good for congestion, it’s going to be good for economic development, put some people to work in the meantime, it’s really a great win, win,” said Gov. Jack Markell.

Officials say this overpass is of critical and strategic importance to Central Delaware, as it transitions from rural to suburban landscape.

Deldot officials say the project is expected to take two full construction seasons to complete, which means we should see the final product in 2018.