New I-95 South Ramp Set To Open In Delaware
By Mike Dougherty, Syma Chowdhry
DOVER, Del. (CBS) -- Traffic congestion near the Christiana Mall in Delaware is about to get a lot better.
A new ramp connecting southbound 95 to Delaware Route 1 is set to open on Tuesday.
Transportation officials expect it to cut down drive time to the mall, Dover and the Delaware beaches.
"When you talk to people, they are tired of the congestion, the backups, so they are very happy we are going to open the ramp," said Javier Torrijos, project construction engineer.
This federally funded project creates two-lane flyover ramps on I-95 in Newark.
DelDOT officials estimate more than 200,000 drivers use this part of I-95.
"Whether they are heading to the beaches, heading to the mall, or just heading south of Delaware, they will have a much safer commute," said Shailen Bhatt, DelDOT Transportation Secretary.
Karen Aniunas from Bear, Delaware says the cattle chute drivers have been using was a terrible idea to begin with.
"I absolutely hate coming out to the mall. Everybody I know in the area tries to avoid this area, anywhere where 95 and 7 and 1 converge. It's just a nightmare," she says.
"Traffic is always at a standstill," said driver Jill Baird.
"It's very confusing. Especially if you are using a GPS," said driver James Patton.
DelDOT says drivers should expect some delays and lane closures overnight into Tuesday as crews put the finishing touches on the ramp.
The ramp for northbound travel on 95 is expected to open sometime in November.
"When it happens, everyone will be happy, they should have a big party when that happens," said Baird.
For updates on the opening of the ramp, visit the link below:
