By 1808Delaware
CSX Transportation is set to replace the railroad bridge spanning William Street in the City of Delaware after the structure was damaged earlier this year by an over-height load. The work will take place from March 15 through March 27 and will significantly affect traffic between Frank Street and Potter Street.
If you move through that corridor regularly, especially near “the Point” at Central Avenue and William Street, you’ll want to pay close attention to the timing. There are two distinct phases, and one of them will bring a full weekend shutdown. See maps below.
Full Closure Phase: March 20–23
From 9:00 PM on Friday, March 20 through 6:00 AM on Monday, March 23, William Street will be closed to through traffic in both directions between Lake Street and Central Avenue at the Point.
Through traffic will be detoured using Central Avenue and Lake Street. During that weekend window:
- William Street will remain open to local traffic only between Lake Street and Frank Street.
- It will also remain open to local traffic only between Potter Street and Central Avenue.
- Access will be limited to intersecting roads.
City officials note that an additional overnight full closure at the worksite may be required during the week of March 15, depending on how construction progresses.
If you have weekend plans that involve cutting through downtown or accessing businesses along William, build in extra time. That 9:00 PM Friday start will catch anyone who assumes closures begin at midnight.
Partial Closure Phase: March 15–27 (Outside Full Closure)
At all other times outside the full weekend shutdown, William Street will operate under a partial closure configuration.
- Eastbound traffic will be permitted.
- Westbound through traffic will be detoured at the Point to Central Avenue.
- William Street will remain open to local traffic only in both directions via intersecting roads.
In other words, eastbound drivers will see fewer disruptions, while westbound commuters should plan alternate routes in advance.
Traffic Signal Work and Winter Street Closure
On Sunday, March 15 starting at 9:00 PM, the William Street and Lake Street intersection will be managed by law enforcement officers while contractors perform work on the traffic signal.
In both the full and partial closure phases, Winter Street will be completely closed between Lake Street and Potter Street. That detail is easy to overlook but important. If you typically use Winter as a quiet bypass, that option will not be available for the duration of the project.
What This Means for Drivers
For residents and business owners along William Street, access will remain in place, but the flow will feel different. For commuters, especially westbound drivers, this is a two-week exercise in route discipline.
Mark the full closure weekend now: 9:00 PM Friday, March 20 through 6:00 AM Monday, March 23.
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