After three years of construction, the barriers were moved yesterday at the northern portion of Choptank Road, signaling an end to a major road reconstruction project.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials believe the project will “set the standard for roundabouts in the state.”
The $11.3-million, 4.9-mile project was a complete redesign and reconstruction of the full miles of Choptank Road, which is now open to traffic, DelDOT officials said. The general contractor was Greggo and Ferrara, based in New Castle County.
The road was too narrow, had no shoulders, and was crumbling – making it unsafe for the volume of traffic on the road. The finished road, which is west of Middletown, has 11-foot lanes and five-foot shoulders.
Perhaps the most distinctive aspects of the project are the three roundabouts, which were a new design that the state will use throughout the state. The roundabouts are located at where Choptank Road intersects with Bethel Church Road, Churchtown Road and Bunker Hill Road.
A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection without traffic signal equipment in which traffic flows around a center island. About 45 roundabouts are proposed or under construction throughout Delaware.
The modern versions are much improved over older traffic circles, which are being removed in some states. The newer designs have been proven more effective at moving traffic more safely through intersections.
However, before the roundabout at Bunker Hill Road was finished, some residents came to DelDOT with concerns that their farm equipment and trailers could not make it through the roundabout. Working with residents, DelDOT removed some signs that could be a hindrance, and lowered some curbs, which made the roundabout passable for trailers and farm equipment.
In addition, the roundabout has an interior apron that is designed to be used by large vehicles as they negotiate the turn.
For more information on roundabouts, or the Choptank Road project, visit www.deldot.gov.
by Community News
