Work continues on overpass at Route 16 and Route 1

A project to take Route 1 over Route 16 outside Milton will enter its next phase this fall.

Crews are currently working to construct embankments for the southbound bridge. Later in the summer, there will be overnight closures of Route 16 when the bridge beams are put in place, said Charles “C.R.” McLeod, Delaware Department of Transportation director of community relations. 

The next phase, which is slated to begin this fall, involves construction of the embankments and bridge for northbound traffic. During this phase, Route 1 southbound traffic will temporarily use recently constructed ramp roads on the west side of the project area.

If the project remains on schedule, it is expected to be complete in fall 2025. 

This highway work is the first of three major projects along Route 1 between Milton and Five Points outside Lewes. Beginning this year is the Minos Conaway Road grade-separated interchange, which will add a road under the Nassau Bridge, service roads on either side of Route 1 and other traffic alterations. That project has a targeted completion date of spring 2027. 

Following that project will be the construction of a grade-separated interchange at the intersection of Route 1 and Cave Neck Road. Similar to the Minos Conaway Road project, the Cave Neck work will add service roads to both sides of Route 1. 

Each project aims to improve safety where busy roads meet Route 1.