SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - DelDOT is currently studying travel patterns along Route 404 and Route 16, also known as the Coastal Corridor. Those two major highways, and everything in between allow people to get to the Delaware beaches from the Bay Bridge.
“We've seen our sister state of Maryland expand 404 and their area into Delaware, so we're seeing an increase in traffic congestion. Obviously our beaches are a great attraction for those to come and visit our great state, which is a good thing, but also seems to increase traffic congestion,” said Nicole Majeski, DelDOT Secretary of Transportation, in a YouTube video on the study.
Some of the proposed changes include an overpass at Route 113 and 404 in Georgetown, another at Route 113 and 16 in Ellendale, and numerous intersection improvements.
"Those that live in the area know it better and we need to go out and listen to them, and have a conversation,” said Majeski.
Traffic growth is inevitable, that's why DelDOT says it is trying to figure out how to make it work for the community instead of against the community.
By offering more options to get to beach towns, challenges arise.
Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism, Scott Thomas, said “how are you going to do that without compromising business and downtown locations, in places like Georgetown and others, that are depending a lot of that passing traffic?”
“Our challenge is to continue to maintain the quality of life, even as more people come here, move here, and travel on our roads. That's really important for our future to stay economically competitive,” said Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson.
Thomas says 7 million visitors to come to Delaware beaches each year, and that is going to increase.
“Tourism employs roughly 18,000 workers right now, just in Sussex County. We know those numbers are going to continue to go up as the industry expands here in Sussex County,” said Thomas.
DelDOT held public workshops throughout the month on the study, which is only in the beginning stages. To view those public workshops click here.