But the Council of Civic Organizations of Brandywine Hundred, State Chamber of Commerce and the state House of Representatives all support the change. Diverting through traffic to the east would lessen auto pollution in dense neighborhoods in Wilmington and the suburbs. It would reduce rush-hour congestion. Former state transportation secretary Anne Canby supported this switch, but her boss, then Gov. Thomas Carper, didn't. New Gov. Ruth Ann Minner should see the wisdom of taking through traffic around the city.
Proper signage is the key.
These directions ought to be reversed to clarify that the current 495 is for through traffic. The dollar cost of a sign switch would be minimal. The viaduct repair will not require a lot of surface work, and what is required will be done at night. So, aside from noise affecting city residents, no major disruption is expected. Nonetheless, Gov. Minner ought to direct DelDOT Secretary Nathan Hayward to get on this highway switch.