LEWES, DE - Work has resumed on Nassau Commons Boulevard, just off Route 9, where contractors are undergoing a full roadway reconstruction that includes water main upgrades and storm drain installation. The project, led by A-Del Construction, is expected to last around two months.
The closure leaves only one entrance into the complex open for drivers—an entrance located farther down the block. Businesses in the area, such as Redner’s grocery store, remain open.
For drivers like Henry Litka, the closure came as a surprise.
“Rolled up the road, flipped on the turn signal, started making the turn and realized the things there – and of course the guy behind me didn’t appreciate it much… slammed on his brakes,” Litka said.
The construction comes just as spring traffic starts to pick up, with summer around the corner. That combination, along with congestion already seen on Route 9, has some worried.
“It was backed up this morning and I was really surprised,” Litka added. “On a Friday afternoon, a Sunday afternoon, it’ll be a mess.”
Others are more understanding of the short-term inconvenience. Linda Hubbard, who was still shopping at Redner’s despite the road work, said it’s just something they now have to deal with.
“It’s inconvenient, but if they have to fix it properly, they’ve got to fix it properly,” she said.
While the construction is not a DelDOT project, the state agency says it plans to install a new traffic light at the intersection of Route 9 and Nassau Commons Boulevard. However, no specific timeline has been announced for that work.