Expect delays at Delaware I-95 toll plaza

If you’re planning on hitting the road this upcoming holiday weekend, expect delays at the I-95 Newark toll plaza, according to Delaware transportation officials.

The Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that the ongoing reconstruction project there will force lane restrictions and reduce toll lane access.  Motorists should expect delays and congestion on I-95, beginning Thursday morning, May 26, throughout the summer months.  The anticipated completion date for this project is August 15, 2011.  DelDOT recommends motorists consider using alternate routes or travel during hours with lower traffic volumes.

According to DelDOT records, Friday had the heaviest traffic volume at the Newark toll plaza last Memorial Day weekend. Last year, 106,469 motorists passed through the toll plaza Friday; 101,379 on Saturday; 89,823 on Sunday; and 105,317 on Monday.

In some welcome news for motorists, gas prices nationwide continue to retreat. The national average price of regular grade gasoline was $3.89 a gallon Sunday, down 9 cents from the week before.

In Delaware, the average price of a gallon of regular gas fell from $3.95 to $3.85 in the last week.