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DelDOT outlines multi-year grade-separation project for US 18404 interchange; construction bid near $35M
Summary
DelDOT told the Georgetown council it plans to grade-separate the 18404 intersection with a bridge and ramps, phased work with east- and west-side closures of several months, overnight beam placements, a third through lane and a projected completion in mid- to late-2028; the construction bid was just under $35,000,000 and Adel Construction is the contractor.
Delaware Department of Transportation construction manager George Pierce presented detailed plans for a grade-separation project at the 18404 intersection, describing the work as a bridge-and-ramp interchange similar in configuration to a recent Millsboro project.
Pierce said the build will be phased: initial nighttime work on northbound utilities and pond excavation, a roughly one-year ramp-and-ramp-build period, and concurrent activities that extend the full project to about two years. The plan includes building a new bridge over the highway, exit ramps for northbound and southbound traffic, and adding a third lane through the corridor to improve flow. He said there will be two significant detour periods—about seven months each on the eastern and western legs of the project—plus four overnight closures to set bridge beams; the department wrote disincentives into the contract to penalize schedule slippage.
Pierce said the construction bid for the contract was just under $35,000,000 and identified Adel Construction as the prime contractor. He estimated the interchange would be functionally open in spring 2028 with final completion around August 2028 (dates subject to change). Pierce emphasized safety benefits such as eliminating signalized crossovers and providing pedestrian facilities that will help Del Tech students cross safely.
Council members asked about right-of-way acquisition and cost; Pierce said acquisition details and figures are handled by DelDOT’s right-of-way staff and that the project included typical easements and acquisitions. Pierce offered to answer follow-up questions and to hold a dedicated informational Q&A if there is substantial public interest.
