Dover – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is preparing for traffic congestion anticipated on interstates 95, 295 and 495, as well as in the City of Wilmington, during the days leading up to and immediately following the inaugurations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden in Washington, D.C. DelDOT is also working with officials in the City of Dover and at the state level in coordination of traffic restrictions in Dover for the inaugurations of Governor Jack Markell and Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn in Dover.
In an effort to assure that traffic along the interstates for which DelDOT is responsible is not unduly impeded, the department has assured that no planned or scheduled construction or maintenance activities will be performed along I-95 and I-495 on the day of the inauguration. The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) has also assured DelDOT that there will be no additional lane closures beyond the work zone currently in place along I-295. Variable Message Boards will be used to advise motorists on the interstate routes about conditions and restrictions in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Large crowds are expected in Washington for the inauguration and many restrictions are in place. Anyone planning to travel for the inauguration should visit the official Presidential Inauguration Web site www.pic2009.org for the latest updates, directions and additional information regarding transportation and pedestrian routes.
DelDOT and the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) have also been working with officials regarding the arrival of President-Elect Obama at the Wilmington Train Station Saturday morning. Specific details on road closures and changes to bus routes can be found under “Rider Alerts” on DART-First State’s Web site @link href=’http:// www.dartfirststate.com’target=”_blank”> www.dartfirststate.com/link.
The gubernatorial inauguration activities in Dover on Wednesday, Jan. 21, will result in closures of various streets and parking lots around the Legislative Mall area. Details on the closures can be found under “News Releases” at @link href=’http://www.doverpolice.org’target=”_blank”>www.doverpolice.org/link.
