DelDOT projects may be postponed

The Delaware Department of Transportation has begun planning which road projects it will begin in the next six years, but a lack of funding could delay some projects.

Delaware had hoped to consider new projects in 2015, but the lack of funds and increasing costs could mean more projects are delayed.

Sep. 18 was the last of three public hearings, one held in each county, for the 2010-2015 capital transportation program. A draft six-year plan, with specific capital projects and costs, will be issued in spring.

The new plan is not likely to deviate from the $2.8 billion 2009-2014 capital program, as DelDOT is working to complete projects that have been on the radar for years, Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks said.

"We've got to get past this bubble of projects," she said, referring to projects including a new interchange at I-95 and Del. 1, an update of the I-95 toll plaza to include high-speed E-ZPass lanes and construction of a new Indian River Inlet Bridge.

"The economy's in a slump, so we might have to make adjustments," said DelDOT’s Drew Boyce. "We hope we won't have to push any projects off, but we have to be fiscally constrained. It depends on the economy."