Travel tips to navigate Delaware’s roadways during holiday travel

With the holiday weekend comes holiday travel and DelDot is sharing a few traveling tips with motorists to keep the roadways safe during Memorial Day weekend.

DelDot expects traffic will be heavier than normal as Delaware residents and visitors from neighboring states make their way to the beaches.

DelDot Spokeswoman Sandy Roumillat said Route 1 is the quickest way to the beach and will likely be one of the most congested. The two busiest travel days are Friday as travelers head out of town and Monday as residents return.

“We look at the numbers that go through the toll plazas to help us gauge the volume of traffic that travels in and out of Delaware,” said Sandy.

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The Dover Route 1 toll plaza counted 59,671 cars during the Friday of Memorial Day weekend in 2012.

The weekend toll fees will remain in effect.

While construction across the state is suspended on major routes through Monday, Roumillat said motorists should plan a few extra minutes of travel time on I-95 near the Christiana Mall.

“You can always expect that it’s going to be a little bit slower going through there just with the volumes,” she said.

Last year, DelDot released an mobile app for smartphones that provides real time traffic updates and road closure information. The department also features a live traffic cameras on its website.

Additionally, Delaware State Police troopers will be out in full force to enforce public safety.

Troopers will be on the roadways and mounted police will be assisting the Dewey Beach Police Department. The state’s Maritime Unit will also be watching the Delaware waterways to ensure boater safety.

They urge Memorial Day party-goers to plan ahead for a safe and sober way home. 

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