The Delaware Department of Transport (DelDOT) in the US has announced that construction on the new US 301 toll road in southern New Castle County is set to begin in January.

This announcement was made after a bidding process, which saw Tutor Perini Corp’s subsidiary Cherry Hill Construction emerge as the lowest bidder for the construction of the first major phase of the project.

By awarding the $69.842m contract, DelDOT expects to complete final financing for the complete $470m construction project, including closing of a direct, federally-backed loan from the US Department of Transportation not to exceed $211.35m under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), and the start of a $240m public offering of toll-backed revenue bonds.

"It brings the opportunity to create thousands of jobs through construction and by providing the infrastructure to boost economic development in southern New Castle County."

This contract for the construction of a northern section of the new highway was made by DelDOT after a meeting of state officials on 30 October where in final financing plans were reviewed for the four-lane, limited access highway that connects US 301 at the Maryland line south-west of Middletown and Del 1 between the Biddles Toll Plaza and the Roth Bridge over the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

Another major contract to build the 4.5-mile stretch of the toll road is expected to be awarded in the next few weeks, starting from the new Levels Road Interchange to where the new highway crosses over existing US 301.

This $100m contract would be the largest award of the complete project.

DelDOT will invite bids for further contracts required to construct the road through the end of this year and into next year.

When the start of construction nears on the long-planned project, DelDOT will convene a construction information meeting on 9 December to discuss the several phases and impacts of the construction project throughout its expected three-year duration.

Delaware governor Jack Markell said: "The start of construction on US 301 means we can look forward to much improved traffic conditions between Delaware Rt 1 and US 50 going to and from Delaware and the Baltimore / Washington, DC area. It brings the opportunity to create thousands of jobs through construction and by providing the infrastructure to boost economic development in southern New Castle County."

DelDOT secretary Jennifer Cohan said: "Delaware has contemplated the construction of a new, limited-access US 301 for many years due to increasing traffic pressure and safety concerns in southern New Castle County.

"As we take the final steps necessary to begin construction, I am grateful for the assistance and support this project has received from the US Department of Transportation, Delaware’s Congressional delegation, governor Markell, the Delaware General Assembly, New Castle County, and the town of Middletown."