PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Delaware Department of Transportation reported an increase in crashes along I-95 in Wilmington since a new construction project began. Now they're urging commuters to drive safe.
The project, which began a month ago, is called Restore the Corridor. It includes repairs to pavements, bridges and ramp upgrades. But since it began, the Delaware Department of Transportation said they've seen close to 50 crashes.
"It is an increase that we're concerned about," said DelDOT's C.R. McLeod. "In more than half of the crashes, the drivers have been cited for following too closely and inattentive driving."
Drivers have also been cited for speeding, which McLeod said makes matters worse since traffic patterns have changed. He explained the problem spots are the northbound lanes approaching Wilmington, where the right lane exits Martin Luther King Boulevard.
"What we currently have is the northbound road lanes for I-95 completely closed, and as a result we shifted northbound traffic over to share the southbound lanes," he detailed. "This has been disorienting for drivers as they are essentially driving on the opposite side of the road."
To help drivers, there is more signage, added pavement markings for new exit lanes and road delineators.
McLeod said drivers can use alternate route I-495 and which runs just east of Wilmington to avoid delays. The project includes bridge and pavement repair and ramp upgrades, and is expected to take up to two years.