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DelDOT Eyes Final Bridge Repairs, 2016 Budget

State transportation officials say final repairs to the Interstate 495 bridge over the Christina River should be completed by late this year or early next year.

Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt says the final cost probably will be a little less than $40 million, with the federal government picking up almost all the tab.

Bhatt said after presenting his fiscal 2016 budget request Wednesday that officials are still pursuing their legal options. Officials say several bridge columns tilted after a large mound of dirt was dumped next to them.

Bhatt's proposed operating budget for next year is about 1 percent less than this year, thanks to lower debt payments. DelDOT also is proposing to spend about $142 million in state funds for construction projects, down from about $155 million this year.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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