ForConstructionPros.com

There's probably not a better place to test the performance characteristics of a high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mix design than the heavily traveled JFK Memorial Highway (I-95) in Wilmington, DE. So, in an ongoing effort to seek out more cost-effective ways to build and maintain its highway system, the Delaware Department of Transportation opted to go with a mix design containing 35 percent RAP to construct a fifth lane in both directions along a two-mile stretch of its heavily-traveled I-95 commuter thoroughfare.

Work currently being done on the interstate is part of a multi-year, multi-project Turnpike Improvement Program that has included work at the Churchman's Road/SR 7 intersection and the Churchman's Road Bridge over I-95; and it will also include the upcoming work at the SR 1/I-95 Mall Interchange.

Increasing traffic volumes and development south of SR 1 have led to deteriorating levels of service within the area. While morning and evening peak commuter times continue to struggle with the volume of traffic in this area, deteriorating traffic conditions have also become a problem during other times of the day and on weekends as well.

The $51.9-million project is adding a fifth northbound lane from the on ramp of SR 1 near the Christiana Mall through the Churchman's Marsh, through the 141 interchange and ending just south of the I-495 ramp overpass. The southbound additional fifth lane runs from the 141 Interchange southbound ramp to just south of the new Churchman's Road Bridge over I-95.

R.E. Pierson Construction Co. is the prime contractor on the project, with Diamond Materials, a Pierson division located in Wilmington, producing and placing all the asphalt for the project.