DelDOT previews Rt. 113 imporvements to encourage residents to attend public hearing

In Millsboro, there has been some talk over the past several years about the reconstruction of Route 113.

Now DelDOT is stepping forward. as they are hosting a public hearing on February 7, 2017, where they will showcase their new improvements for the highway.

One of DelDOT's project managers, Bryan Behrens provided a preview of their construction plan on February 6, 2017 to alleviate traffic congestion in downtown Millsboro, Delaware.

Behrens says, "This project in particular is a great example of what public opinion and providing your comments can do as far as how a project is shaped."

DelDOT is sharing the details in the hopes of attracting the public to come out for their main public hearing.

Maps and aerial views show possibilities for Route 113 in Millsboro and the main features on display show a connection between Route 113 and Route 24, a 2 lane bypass around Millsboro, and then adding a third lane in each direction on Route 113 as it would go from Route 20 to Dagsboro road.

We are told these improvements on the road were actually based on suggestions made four years ago.

Behrens says, "We had a public hearing in 2013 where we presented a much different idea than this. It was a 4 lane limited access facility around Millsboro, Dagsboro, and Frankfort that was met with some strong opposition that caused us to go back to the drawing board."

From there, they had another meeting in 2015, where they heard even more public comments and concerns, which led them to their current plans as the result.

The entire project costs around $120 million based on construction dollars, which will primarily be from federal government. The rest would be state money.

DelDOT says the more feedback they receive from the public, the closer they can get to the construction phase.

DelDOT is urging for residents to attend the public hearing as they say voicing your opinion and providing some comments makes a difference.

Residents can look at these display boards and speak to project team members from 4-6 p.m. at Millsboro Town Hall during their public workshop. Following that from 6-8 p.m, there will be a formal public hearing where community members can speak out about their concerns through e-mail or even written comments. 

DelDOT says the best way for residents to get their voiced heard is to attend the meeting.