Buckle Up, Delaware: Route 1 Near Nassau Is About to Get a Major Glow-Up!

Hey, Delaware drivers—especially those navigating the chaos near Nassau and Five Points—get ready for big changes!

The long-awaited Minos Conaway Road grade-separated intersection project along Route 1 is finally kicking off in early 2025. This isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a three-year, traffic-transforming overhaul. By the time it’s done, this stretch of road will be nearly unrecognizable!

What’s the Big Deal?

Here’s what’s coming:

• No more sketchy median crossovers
• A new road under the Nassau Bridge
• Three new roundabouts
• Service roads on both sides of the bridge

It’s a full superhero-style makeover—safer, smoother, and much less stressful.

Bryan Behrens, the Delaware Department of Transportation’s (DelDOT) group engineer for Project Development South, is excited. “We’ve been working on this for a while—land’s secured, design’s locked in, and we’re ready to roll,” Behrens says.

Construction could start as early as spring or summer 2025, once the bids are finalized.

How’s This Going Down?

This isn’t a quick repaving job—it’s a carefully planned 10-phase project. Here’s what to expect:

Phase 1: New Road Realignment & U-Turn at Five Points

• New Road realignment (no closures, built off to the side)
• U-turn added at Five Points for better traffic flow

Phase 2: Service Roads, Roundabouts & the First Detour

• New service road from southbound Route 1 to Janice Road
• New under-bridge road connecting New Road & Nassau Road
• Roundabout near the Lewes Senior Activity Center
• Temporary detour at Minos Conaway Road—drivers will loop through Five Points and Route 9
• New off-ramp from southbound Route 1

Phase 3: Major Intersection Overhaul & Closures

• Completion of New Road/Nassau Road roundabout
• Nassau Road realignment
• Temporary closure of the Nassau intersection (detour via Old Orchard & Savannah Roads)
• Under-bridge road opens—you’ll notice the difference mid-project!

Phases 4-6: Safer Medians & Route 1 Enhancements

• Median crossovers south of the bridge removed
• Wider medians & a new shoulder lane near St. Jude Church
• Tulip Drive entrance closure—access via Nassau Road instead

Phases 7-9: Smoother Traffic Flow & Local Access

• A third southbound lane from Janice Road to the Route 9 roundabout
• Parallel road north of the bridge to support local businesses

Phase 10: The Grand Finale

• Paving, striping, and putting the finishing touches on Route 1’s transformation

Why Should You Care?

This $50 million project (80% federally funded) is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about keeping traffic moving and making the Minos Conaway intersection safer.

Key Benefits:

✔ Fewer accidents at a known trouble spot
✔ Less congestion on Route 1
✔ Better pedestrian & bike access via the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail
✔ Minimal road closures (except for short detour periods)

Behrens calls it a “game changer”—and for anyone who drives this route, that’s an understatement.

What to Expect During Construction

Most work will happen during the day, but expect some night crews as well. DelDOT has been prepping since last summer, relocating utilities and clearing the way.

Minimal closures are planned, but there will be detours during key phases—all designed to keep disruption as low as possible.

The Bottom Line

Three years might sound like a long wait, but this upgrade is worth it.

If you drive near Nassau and Five Points, your commute is about to get smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just someone tired of Route 1 bottlenecks, 2025 is the year Route 1 levels up!