Route 13 will be closed at Blackbird Creek between Smyrna and Townsend for about six weeks, starting with the northbound lanes Sept. 8.
The bridges on the northbound and southbound lanes will be replaced in a $15.4 million project, said Charles “C.R.” McLeod, director of community relations for the Delaware Department of Transportation.
“The bridge replacement projects are needed due to their age and the deterioration of the structures,” McLeod said. “The southbound bridge is currently the first ranked bridge on our bridge deficiency list,” meaning it’s the bridge most in need of repair or replacement in the state.
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The southbound bridge was built in 1920. The northbound bridge was built in 1933.
Both bridges are being replaced at the same time to save money and to allow for the raising of the roadway in both directions by 9 feet to address visibility issues and improve safety.
For example on Route 13 South approaching Blackbird Forest Road, the road descends toward the creek and then rises near Blackbird Forest Road, making it difficult for some drivers on Blackbird Forest Road as they try to turn onto Route 13. That’s because traffic on Route 13 South climbing the hill can be difficult to see until it’s close to Blackbird Forest Road.
Preliminary work on the project has already started. Single lanes and shoulders have been closed on Route 13 near Blackbird off and on for weeks.
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When will Route 13 close at Blackbird, between Smyrna and Townsend?
On Sept. 8, the northbound lanes will close near Blackbird for 45 days.
The suggested detour for through traffic from Smyrna heading north is to turn onto Route 1 North at the north Smyrna interchange and travel about 10 miles, then take exit 136 at Odessa, turn right onto Route 299 to Odessa, then turn left onto Route 13 North.
There is no toll on that portion of Route 1.
The southbound lanes near Blackbird will close on Sept. 15 for 45 days.
The suggested detour for through traffic heading south on Route 13 is to turn right (west) onto Route 299 at Odessa, turn left onto Route 1 South, continue on Route 1 about 10 miles, then take exit 199B north of Smyrna and get back on Route 13 South.
There is no toll on that portion of Route 1.
What's being built on Route 13 between Smyrna Rest Area and Delaware Surplus store?
For local traffic, there are other side roads that can be taken east and west of Route 13 to get around the bridge closure.
Bad weather could cause construction delays.
Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, development and business news. Reach him at [email protected].