Wilmington residents and visitors might need to plot a new course through town as the Public Works Department unleashes a bevy of street projects next week. The city has laid out a full schedule of construction gigs ranging from road repaving to sewer and gas work, starting Monday, April 1, and hammering through to Friday, April 5.
City Commissioner Kelly Williams issued a heads-up, admitting the calendar might shift due to pesky weather conditions or other snags. The city’s online real-time traffic and travel map will give drivers the latest scoop on any shake-ups to the plans. Williams, in a statement published on the City’s website, explained, "Every effort is made to compile the most accurate list each week of street projects that could affect your travel in the City the following week."
Meanwhile, Easter weekend hunters should beware that not only chocolate eggs might be lurking in city parks but also a horde of fellow treasure seekers. Parks dotted across the city will host Easter egg hunts, so drivers are being told to go easy on the gas pedal and keep wide-eyed for gaggles of egg hunters.
Street closures for those hunting for a good time don't end with chocolate-filled festivities. Downtown Wilmington is playing host to the "Small Business Saturday" shindig at Milk and Honey Coffeehouse, teaming up with Dominic Spitz, Downtown Visions, and Wilmington's own stamp of approval. This kicks off Saturday, April 6, at the Caffeine Haven on 239 North Market Street, nixing 3rd Street between Shipley and Market from vehicular activity starting bright and early at 8 a.m. until about 2 p.m.
Not to be outdone, Tatnall Street is throwing down its own traffic-stopping bash with the One Love block party on April 6 from high noon until 4 p.m. The Wilmington Police will be patrolling while the street is put on lockdown for cars from 11 a.m. until the party dies down around 5 p.m.
DelDOT isn't missing out on the action, either. They've got road warriors posted on several projects, including daytime lane restrictions on Broom Street and rerouting traffic due to the Rogers Road concrete reconstruction project. Drivers should tune into WTMC 1380 AM, hit up the DelDOT website, or nab their app for real-time updates.
For those not keen on memorizing the streets affected, here's a rundown: expect detours and delays on stretches of W. 9th St. for sewer work; parts of E. 11th St. and various others will get a makeover for gas work; and if you're cruising along S. Park Drive, mind the "Str. Work-City" signposts. The comprehensive list online will keep you clued into which roads to dodge.
