I-95 closing in Delaware this weekend (for real this time)

The weekend closure of Interstate 95 at Route 202 was delayed by Hurricane Sandy, but it will finally happen this weekend.

All lanes of I-95 in both directions were originally scheduled to be shut down over the final weekend of October, but the high winds and heavy rains expected from Sandy put those plans on hold.  

But the construction work at the interchange will go forward starting tonight around 8 p.m.  The closure is expected to be lifted before the morning rush hour on Monday.

Delaware transportation officials say drivers should follow the posted detours to get where they want to go, but the closure of a major artery for travel in the region will likely cause major delays for motorists.  DelDOT is strongly recommending for drivers trying to head through the state on I-95 to use I-495 around the city of Wilmington as an alternate.  

The 202 interchange project will include widening the ramp from 95 NB to 202 NB from one lane to two lanes.  The southbound lanes of I-95 will also be lowered to allow greater clearance under the 202 overpass to eliminate a clearance problem from taller trucks.

The work, which got underway late last year, is expected to be finished by December 2014.