SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - DelDOT has proposed nine new infrastructure projects in Sussex County for its Capital Transportation Program (CPT) for fiscal year 2023-2028. It is planning to add overpasses, bike paths, turn lanes, and more, but it is going to take years. This DelDOT CPT is still in the early stages. Sussex County has been given $1.3 billion for road improvements.
"It's basically our list, kind of like our bible, of capital transportation projects that we need to work on," said DelDOT planning director, Pamela Steinebach.
The nine new projects will include improvements at Postal Lane.
"That roadway improvement is going to include, shoulders, sidewalk and a bicycle lane," said Steinebach.
DelDOT is considering a two lane roadway from Mulberry Knoll Road and Cedar Grove road all the way to Route 9 at Old Vine Boulevard, which aims to connect the communities and alleviate congestion.
"When you're in Lewes, going to Lewes, or near Lewes, you just can't be in a hurry ever," said Lewes resident, Chad Todd.
Shady Road from Plantation Road to Route One improvements will include turn lanes sidewalks, and shoulders for safer travel. Because the proposed projects are still in the very early stages, DelDOT has not determined how much they cost. Some people think the improvements, won't change much.
"The infrastructure I don't think it was ever designed to support half of Maryland and D.C. coming on a weekend," said Wayne Klaus from Ellendale. Others are hoping it will make things better.
"I think they're going to do whatever they can to make it easier for people to live here," said Todd. The other projects include improvements at intersections along Route 113, 54 and SR26.
"These projects will greatly help not only the mobility of vehicles bikes and pedestrians, but it will also help with congestion and safety," said Steinebach.
She says it will create a better quality of life for people in Sussex.
These are all ideas at this point, and nothing is set in stone. DelDOT wants to hear what you think. They will hold a public hearing on the draft on September 29th. Then the DelDOT Council on Transportation will review and vote on it. If approved it will then go to the governor's desk for approval next year.