In effort to reduce crashes, tractor-trailers barred from part of I-95 in Wilmington

Tractor-trailers are now barred from using the north lanes of I-95 in the Wilmington construction zone, the Delaware Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.

From I-495 to north of the Brandywine River Bridge in Wilmington, only two-axle vehicles and buses are allowed to use the north lanes of I-95. DelDOT said the restriction, which took effect Wednesday, is aimed at reducing the number of crashes in the I-95 construction zone.

Since the beginning of the project, almost two dozen crashes involving tractor-trailers have occurred in the construction zone.

"While the tractor trailer operators are not always at fault in these incidents, these crashes have shut down the roadway for lengthy periods of time and this is an additional step we are taking to increase safety in the construction zone," Transportation Secretary Nicole Majeski said in a statement.

The restriction will be in place for the duration of the I-95 construction project.

DelDOT said it does not apply to the south lanes of I-95 because their multiple access points would make enforcement difficult. The department is urging large vehicles to use I-495 as an alternate route.

Major construction on I-95 began in February, DelDOT said. The project, which includes the repair of 19 bridges, the roadway and several on- and off-ramps, will take years to complete. DelDOT says the project will extend the service life of the I-95 corridor for a minimum of 30 years.

Currently, I-95 through Wilmington is limited to one lane in each direction.

For more information on the I-95 construction project visit restorethecorridor.com.

Contact Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @holveck_brandon.