Dover/Kent County MPO

Public Comment Period for 2016-2019 TIP runs through Sept. 2

CAMDEN — The Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization has proposed three amendments to its FY 2016-2019 Transportation Improvement Program. These proposed changes warrant a public comment period, which is running from now through Sept. 2. The first proposed amendment involves the proposed addition of a third lane in both the northbound and southbound directions of U.S. 13. This amendment involves the section of highway that runs from Lochmeath Way in Camden to Walnut Shade Road near Woodside. In addition to the roadway widening, work would involve storm water management facilities, multiple intersection redesigns, traffic signal reconfigurations and improvements for multiple transportation modes. The justification for the project is, the corridor has repeatedly been cited for safety improvements. Design for the $17.5 million project is scheduled for fiscal year 2018. The second proposed amendment involves the Camden Bypass, from South Street to Rising Sun Road. The project would provide a connection on new alignment from South Street to a new signalized intersection at U.S. 13, and extending to State Route 10. The road would align Rising Sun Road with Route 10 and maintain the signal at Camden-Wyoming Avenue and U.S. 13. The rationale for the $13.2 million project is, the project is part of the Camden Bypass Study that was adopted in to the Town of Camden’s comprehensive plan. The intent of the project is to provide a bypass alternative to relieve congestion and heavy vehicles from downtown Camden. Project design is scheduled to start in fiscal year 2017. The third proposed amendment involves road improvements to Walnut Shade road, starting at the intersection of Walnut Shade and U.S. 13 to Peachtree Run Road. Work would include upgrading the road to accommodate traffic as well as build in walking and bicycling amenities. Estimated cost for the project is nearly $12 million. Project design is expected to start in fiscal year 2019. 07 30 15 CTP FY 15 Camden Bypass, South Street to Rising Sun Road 14-00029 KC 07 30 15 CTP FY 15 HEP KC, US13 Walnut Shade Rd. to Lochmeath Way 15-00013 KC 07 30 15 CTP FY 15 Walnut Shade Road, US13 to Peachtree Run Road 14-00030 KC

Special MPO Council Meeting set for June 18

The Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold a second special meeting regarding the MPO’s draft FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18 in the council chambers of Camden Town Hall, 1783 Friends Way, Camden. Council at that time is scheduled to discuss and vote upon the MPO’s draft FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP represents the first few years of the long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Transportation-related projects must be included in the TIP, or else they cannot be funded with federal money. At its regular May 7 meeting, the council could not reach a consensus about the document and called for a special meeting that was held on May 28. At the May 28 meeting, much of the council’s discussion focused on the South Frederica grade-separated intersection, a line item in the TIP. Council did not vote on the TIP, but asked the Delaware Department of Transportation to prepare a draft FY 2015-2020 Capital Transportation Program (CTP) using the scenario of the South Frederica grade-separated intersection project as the number one priority for Kent County. Under that scenario, DelDOT would then reprioritize the balance of its Kent County projects so that council can review the impact of repositioning the projects at the June 18 special meeting. In addition to transportation projects having to be included in the TIP to receive federal funds, an MPO-approved TIP and DelDOT’s CTP must agree with one another in order for Delaware projects to receive federal approval and funding. The council meeting is open to the public, which is encouraged to attend. Camden Town Hall is located just off Voshell’s Mill Road and is visible from U.S. 13 across the highway from B&B Music. For more information, call the MPO at (302) 387-6026 or (302) 387-6030.