The Delaware Department of Transportation announced the weekend closure of U.S. Route 13 between Hyetts Corner Road and Port Penn Road from 7 p.m. March 17 to 5 a.m. March 20, for the installation of drainage pipes across existing U.S. Route 13.

Due to the inconvenience caused by this closure, the weekend toll rates at Biddles Toll Plaza, this weekend will not go in effect. Tolls will remain $1 for passenger vehicles and toll rates for three or more axle vehicles will remain at the normal weekday rate. Vehicles will be able to access state Route 1 northbound from U.S. Route 13.

This closure will detour traffic to Pole Bridge Road, to Port Penn Road and back to U.S. Route 13. Truck traffic will be urged to use state Route 1 as the alternate route for through traffic to points north and south.

The drainage pipe work was originally scheduled to be installed utilizing daily lane closures over a period of about three weeks. Moving forward with this alternative plan of utilizing a total roadway closure will reduce the duration of this construction activity. Other benefits of this weekend closure include:

— No disruption to the school transportation system.

— No loss in capacity during the weekday peak travel periods due to daily temporary traffic control.

— Increased worker safety by diverting traffic away from the work zone area thereby reducing the chances of a vehicular/worker conflict.

— Increased motorist safety by eliminating several traffic pattern changes associated with multiple stages of construction.

The closure involves an extensive public outreach plan which includes emergency responders, local businesses and local residents. The Delaware Transportation Management Center will also coordinate with all necessary state, county and local agencies to ensure that this detour plan is clearly communicated.

For information, visit us301.deldot.gov or call 760-2080.