A major infrastructure upgrade is coming to Coastal Delaware, as the long-anticipated Route 1-Minos Conaway Road grade separated intersection project is set to begin construction this June. The $36 million project is expected to run through Spring 2028.
What to Expect
Mumford & Miller Concrete secured the nearly $36 million contract on April 24th, beating the state engineer’s estimate of $38.7 million.
The company will lead efforts to improve safety by eliminating hazardous crossovers on Route 1.
Key elements of the project include:
- Parallel service roads on both sides of Route 1
- East service lane: 1.3 miles long
- West service lane: 0.8 miles long
- Three roundabouts on the service roads, not on Route 1
- A bridge and an extension of New Road passing under Route 1
Traffic Plans and Closures
DelDOT has promised to release detailed phasing and traffic maintenance plans once available from the contractor.
For now, drivers can expect two open lanes in each direction on Route 1 during construction, with occasional short-term closures.
Anticipated detours and closures include:
- Route 1 and Minos Conaway Road: Closed during Phase 2B to build a roundabout and connect the new service road. Detour via Route 9 and Minos Conaway Road.
- New and Nassau Roads: Closed during Phase 3 for roundabout construction. Detour via Savannah Road and Old Orchard Road.
- Southern Tulip Drive Entrance: Closed during Five Points phase. U-turn access provided from Route 1 southbound to northbound. Use the northern entrance near St. Jude for local traffic.
- Northern Tulip Drive Entrance: Closed during Phase 6 for ramp reconstruction. Use the southern entrance near Five Points.
Why It Matters
This large-scale project aims to enhance traffic flow and reduce accidents along a heavily traveled stretch of Route 1.
While some disruption is inevitable, the long-term safety and access benefits are expected to be substantial.
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Source: Cape Gazette