Route 40 is Currently in the Implementation Phase
In June 2000, the Route 40 Steering Committee adopted the Route 40 Corridor 20-Year Transportation Plan. This Plan was the result of a partnership among the Delaware Department of Transportation, the New Castle County Department of Land Use, the Wilmington Area Planning Council, and corridor residents, business owners, and other stakeholders. Over the last six years, DelDOT has continued to work with the community in implementing more than two dozen of the projects in the Plan, and our work continues!
Progress Implementation Map - Updated August 2007
Project Complete
1. Pleasant Valley/Frazer Road Realignment Study Back to Map
A study was conducted to determine the potential benefit of realigning either Pleasant Valley Road or Frazer Road so that the two would meet at a common intersection on US 40. The study, completed in November 2000, determined that there would be no particular benefit. Therefore, realignment was not recommended.
2. US 40/SR 72 Pedestrian Improvements Back to Map
Improvements completed in late 2000 include new pedestrian islands, crosswalks, and signals at the intersection of US 40 and SR 72.
3. Rickey Boulevard Pedestrian Improvements Back to Map
New sidewalks on Rickey Boulevard between US 40 and Heatherfield Drive were completed in late 2000.
4. US 40/Scotland Drive Pedestrian Improvements Back to Map
New pedestrian islands, crosswalks, signals, and bus stops at the intersection of US 40 and Scotland Drive were completed in late 2000.
5. US 40/Becks Woods Drive Crossover Drainage Improvements Back to Map
Reconstruction of US 40 median crossover at Becks Woods Drive to improve drainage was completed in late 2000.
6. US 40/Salem Church Road/Porter Road Pedestrian Improvements Back to Map
New pedestrian islands, crosswalks, and signals at the intersection of US 40, Salem Church Road, and Porter Road, including a sidewalk along the east side of Salem Church Road from US 40 to Glasgow Court, were completed in late 2000.
7. US 40/Glasgow Drive Pedestrian Improvements Back to Map
A new sidewalk to the existing bus stop along US 40, in front of the Boys and Girls Club, was completed in late 2000.
8. Eden Square Access Improvements Back to Map
The median left-turn lane into Eden Square was extended and separated from the westbound US 40 through lanes to improve safety. This work, which also included signing and geometric improvements on the southbound exit ramp from SR 1, was completed in late 2000.
9. US 40/Buckley Boulevard Intersection Improvements Back to Map
New sidewalks, crosswalks, and a new traffic signal at the intersection of US 40 and Buckley Boulevard were completed in late 2000.
10. Old Baltimore Pike Bicycle Lanes Back to Map
Dedicated bicycle lanes, signing and pavement marking improvements were completed in December 2000.
11. SR 7/SR 273 Intersection Improvements Back to Map
A second westbound left-turn lane from SR 273 onto SR 7 was completed in late 2000 to improve the PM peak hour level of service.
12. US 13/SR 72 Systems Study, Old Baltimore Pike to St. Georges Bridge Back to Map
In late 2001, a planning study was completed for SR 72 between Old Baltimore Pike and US 13 and for US 13 between SR 72 and the St. Georges Bridge. This study examined roadway sufficiency, land use, traffic, safety, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transit. Recommendations for improvements in the corridor were presented to the General Assembly in January 2002; no timetable has been set for design and construction.
13. Rue Madora
The missing section of Rue Madora between the Fox Run Shopping Center entrance adjacent to SR 72 and the community of Forest Glen was completed in October 2002.
14. US 40/Walther Road Intersection Improvements (short-term) Back to Map
Improvements include two additional turn lanes on the southbound Walther Road approach to US 40 to alleviate southbound traffic backups. Pedestrian signals and crosswalks were provided across US 40. Construction was completed in November 2002.
15. Porter Road, US 40 to SR 72 Back to Map
Porter Road has been upgraded with full shoulders. A sidewalk was provided between Joan Drive and US 40. Construction was completed in early 2003.
16. Rockwood Road, Church Road to US 40 (by developer) Back to Map
The new Rockwood Road connects Church Road just south of the Leasure School with a new intersection on US 40. The connector is expected to reduce demand on Church Road at its intersection with US 40. Construction was completed in 2003.
17. Expanded Transit Service (not shown) Back to Map
Since the adoption of the Route 40 Plan in 2000, the Delaware Transit Corporation has expanded existing transit routes, added new routes, and provided more frequent service in the US 40 corridor. Among the most notable transit improvements is introduction of the Route 64, which connects Fox Run and Governors Square and provides access into a number of developments, serving riders who could not easily access the previous bus stops along US 40 itself.
18. Songsmith Drive Sidewalks Back to Map
Construction of sidewalks and bus stop improvements on Songsmith Drive between the Governors Square Shopping Center entrance and Smalley's Dam Road was completed in fall 2003.
19. Waterford Pedestrian Improvements Back to Map
A landscaped, lighted sidewalk was built connecting the bus stop along the south side of US 40, opposite Brookmont Drive, with the Waterford community. Construction was finished in fall 2003.
20. Church Road, US 40 to Wynnefield Back to Map
Upgrades to this portion of Church Road, including additional turn lanes at US 40, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks, were opened to traffic in early 2004.
21. Wilton Boulevard/Appleby Road Sidewalks Back to Map
Construction of sidewalks along the entire length of Wilton Boulevard and Old Forge Road, as well as the portion of Appleby Road between Wilton Boulevard and SR 273, began in June 2004 and was completed in May 2006. The improvements provided more than two miles of continuous sidewalk for better pedestrian access from residential communities to local retail centers. Improved transit facilities, including bus pads and shelters along with improved crosswalk signing and striping, provide for safe and efficient access to bus stops. In addition, minor widening and restriping of roadways to delineate bicycle access encourages multimodal use.
22. Old Porter Road, Porter Road to SR 71 Back to Map
Concept design was completed in 2005. Final design and construction are not currently funded or scheduled. A residential development called Meridian Crossing II has been required by DelDOT and New Castle County to fund the reconstruction of the sharp curve in the center of the project area. This curve has been identified as the location along Old Porter Road that has one of the biggest needs for safety improvements. Design is almost complete on the curve reconstruction (see item #29 below). Construction is anticipated within the next year.
23. Old County Road, Frazer Road to Glasgow Avenue Back to Map
Sidewalks were recommended along Old County Road from Frazer Road to Glasgow Avenue as part of Phase II of the 20-Year Transportation Plan. However, issues raised by local residents, civic associations and legislators demonstrated the need for additional study along this segment of Old County Road. A corridor study was initiated along this 1.5-mile segment of roadway as DelDOT was in the process of modifying the classification of Old County Road to an urban collector. The study, completed in January 2005, indicated that significant improvements are necessary to upgrade the roadway to meet the standards of an urban collector. The project is not currently funded or programmed for design and construction.
24. East Scotland Drive Extension (by developer) Back to Map
East Scotland Drive was extended from its existing terminus at the entrance to St. Andrews to Porter Road; construction was completed and the road opened to traffic in spring 2006.
25. SR 7, US 40 to Newtown Road Back to Map
This project is part of transportation improvements required as part of an agreement between DelDOT and JP Morgan Chase, which is developing 153 acres on the east side of SR 7 north of US 40. SR 7 was widened to four lanes with bicycle lanes, a sidewalk, and landscaped medians. The project included major improvements at the US 40 intersection, including double left-turn lanes from US 40 onto SR 7 in both directions, double left-turn lanes from southbound SR 7 onto eastbound US 40, and double through lanes on SR 7. DelDOT's contractor began construction in 2004, and construction was completed in summer 2006.
26. SR 7/SR 71 Intersection Improvements (by developer) Back to Map
Turn lane improvements funded by several developers at the intersection of SR 7 and SR 71 were completed in early 2006.
Under Construction
27. School Bell Road, SR 1 to US 40 Back to Map
Safety concerns and geometric deficiencies have been identified along School Bell Road between the SR 1 underpass and US 40. Originally intended to include minor widening and sidewalks for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, the project has been revised to include complete reconstruction and realigning a majority of the 1.2-mile segment of roadway. Construction began in June 2007 and will continue for approximately 18 months with an expected completion date of December 2008.
28. Walther Road Sidewalks/Bike Lanes, north of US 40 to Old Baltimore Pike Back to Map
Sidewalk will be provided on both sides of the roadway from Old Baltimore Pike south to Glennwood Drive, where the proposed Newtown Trail will cross Walther Road. Sidewalk will then continue south along only the west side of the road as far as the Walther farm. Construction began in April 2007 and is expected to continue for approximately 9 months with a completion date in early 2008.
29. Bear Area Pedestrian Improvements Back to Map
The Bear Area Pedestrian Improvements project includes the construction of sidewalks along Rivers End Drive and Taylor Drive; an asphalt shared-use bicycle/pedestrian path along Smalleys Dam Road from Songsmith Drive to Rivers End Drive; and an asphalt shared-use bicycycle/pedestrian path along Newtown Road from Smalleys Dam Road to SR7. In addition, transit facilities will be upgraded and the roadway pavement along Taylor Drive will be rehabilitated. Construction began in May of 2007 and is scheduled to continue for approximately 6 months with a completion date of November 2007.
In Final Design
30. SR 7, Newtown Road to SR 273 Back to Map
Final design is underway for the widening of SR 7 from two to four lanes between Newtown Road and SR 273. The SR 7 widening recently constructed between US 40 and Newtown Road will be extended to SR 273 under this contract. This project includes sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as significant improvements and a new traffic signal at the School Bell Road intersection. Right of way needed for the road widening is proposed for funding in Fiscal Years 2007 and 2008, with construction currently proposed for funding in Fiscal Year 2009.
31. Old Porter Road Curve Improvements (by developer) Back to Map
The existing curve on Old Porter Road just east of Lauren Farms will be improved by the developer of Meridian Crossing II. The entrance to that development will be located at the curve. Plans are complete; construction is not yet scheduled.
32. Corridor-Wide Bus Stop Improvements (not shown) Back to Map
Bus pads or shelters, as well as sidewalk connections, will be provided at about 60 bus stops throughout the Route 40 corridor. Final design is underway. Construction is funded for FY 2006.
33. US 40/SR 72 Intersection Improvements Back to Map
The project involves widening and reconstructing SR 72 from Belltown Run to south of Del Laws Road to provide an additional through lane on each approach to US 40. In addition to improving pedestrian and bicycle access, the project also includes widening to provide double left-turn lanes along US 40 at the SR 72 intersection, realigning Del Laws Road, and installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Del Laws Road and SR 72. This work is being undertaken to improve safety for all travelers, to provide better mobility options for bicyclists, and to meet increased demand from the traveling public. Concept design is expected to be complete in 2006 with funding for final design in 2007. This project is proposed for funding of right-of-way acquisition in Fiscal Year 2009, and not currently proposed for construction within the next three fiscal years.
34. Eden Square Connector (includes improvements to the Glendale Connector) Back to Map
The project proposes the construction of a new connector roadway with bicycle and pedestrian accommodations from the intersection of SR 7 and the Glendale Connector to the Eden Square Shopping Center. This project will allow elimination of the left turn from Eden Square onto US 40, which is expected to improve traffic operations in the area. The project will also include a slight widening of the Glendale Connector, installation of a traffic signal at the SR 7 intersection, and reconfiguration of the access to the Eden Support Services Center. Final design is complete; right of way and construction are currently proposed for funding in Fiscal Year 2008.
In Concept Design or Under Study
35. US 40, SR 896 to SR 1 Back to Map
Engineering alternatives and an environmental assessment are being prepared for all planned improvements to US 40 between SR 896 and SR 1. This includes widening to six lanes, interchanges at SR 896 and SR 7, an overpass of the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, improvements to six signalized intersections, and a number of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The project team is currently refining widening and interchange alternatives, and will meet with the public once again to present selected options. Individual project improvements include:
• US 40 Widening, SR 896 to SR 1
• US 40 Sidepaths, SR 896 to SR 1
• US 40 / SR 896 Interchange
• US 40 / Norfolk Southern Overpass
• US 40 / Scotland Drive Intersection Improvements
• US 40 / Salem Church Road / Porter Road Intersection Improvements
• US 40 / Walther Road Intersection Improvements (long-term)
• US 40 / SR 7 Interchange
• US 40 / SR 1 Ramps Intersection Improvements
• US 40 Access Management / Crossover Closures
36. US 40/Pleasant Valley Road Intersection Improvements Back to Map
Phase II of the Route 40 Corridor 20-Year Transportation Plan calls for turn lane improvements at the intersection of US 40 and Pleasant Valley Road. Specifically, a second left turn lane and second right turn lane are anticipated on the southbound Pleasant Valley Road approach to US 40. This is a concept design effort only; design, right of way, and construction are not funded or scheduled.
37. Church Road, Wynnefield to SR 71 Back to Map
Phase III of the Route 40 Corridor 20-Year Transportation Plan calls for bike lane improvements to Church Road from the south end of the current improvement project to SR 71. This is a concept design effort only; design, right of way, and construction are not funded or scheduled.
38. US 40 Sidepaths, Maryland State Line to SR 896 Back to Map
Phase III of the Route 40 Corridor 20-Year transportation Plan calls for sidepaths along US 40 from the Maryland State Line to SR 896. Concept design is expected to be completed in early 2007; design, right of way, and construction are not funded or scheduled.
Additional Projects Proposed for Phase I
39. SR 72 Sidewalks, US 40 to SR 71 Back to Map
Sidewalks will be provided along both sides of SR 72. No timetable has been established for design and construction.
Projects On Hold
40. Newtown Trail Back to Map
The Newtown Trail is a proposed bicycle and pedestrian path connecting Salem Church Road with SR 7. This trail provides a unique opportunity for bicycle and pedestrian transportation serving numerous residential communities, schools, parks, and employment centers between US 40 and Old Baltimore Pike.
41. Glasgow Avenue "Main Street" Study Back to Map
As recommended by the Route 40 Steering Committee, this study will develop recommendations to make old SR 896 in Glasgow less of a through roadway and more of a "main street," balancing transportation and community needs.
42. Old Baltimore Pike Long-Term Needs Study, SR 72 to SR 273 Back to Map
A study identified by the Route 40 Corridor 20-Year Transportation Plan is underway on Old Baltimore Pike. This study will assess existing conditions with respect to traffic, transit, safety, land use, and general adequacy of the transportation system. The ability of the roadway to meet projected future travel demands will also be considered. After the study is complete, public involvement efforts will begin to identify potential improvements and seek funding for design, right of way, and construction.
43. US 40 Corridor Park-and-Ride Study (not shown) Back to Map
Future commuting needs will be studied to help identify potential park-and-ride locations in the corridor. The purpose of this study is to identify general locations where park-and-ride facilities will be needed, assess individual sites for suitability, and explore means to purchase those sites or otherwise preserve them for future use.
Additional Planning Studies Proposed for Phase I (Not Shown)
US 13 Corridor Study, SR 1 to Wilmington Back to Map
SR 71 Corridor Study, US 13 to SR 896 Back to Map