Town of Frankford discusses preliminary 'Community Transportation Plan' with DelDOT

FRANKFORD, Del. - The Town of Frankford is holding preliminary discussions with the Delaware Department of Transportation to enhance safety and convenience for travelers through town.

After reaching out to DelDOT last fall, the Town of Frankford is collaborating with the state agency on a Community Transportation Plan to mitigate congestion and create safer roadways for the Frankford community.

Most recently, on March 24, the town held a planning and zoning meeting to address the Community Transportation Plan. CoastTV contacted Frankford Town Manager, Sheldon Hudson, who says this study is one that is run by DelDOT.  

DelDOT shared that this plan would require studies on the town's growing population and level of traffic as a result of that growth. Frankford not only sees heavy beach traffic, being a town that is located between Delaware's many beach destinations, but also heavy truck traffic.

Claudia Carey, who frequents the town, says driving through Frankford can be easier said than done at times.

"It's a little nerve-racking, especially driving with a baby," Carey tells CoastTV. "It definitely gets a little bit congested, specifically at one stop sign. It's a bit confusing, I think, for everybody."

Carey says she loves the small-town feel of Frankford, but truck traffic on back roads makes navigating the roads uneasy.

"I feel like I have to veer off into the grass a little bit, almost into the grass," says Carey. "Because they're coming down super quick, and I'm nervous if one of them isn't paying attention, they'll come into my lane."

Truck traffic is one of the issues this plan would look to address, while also looking to address safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

The experiences shared by Carey differ from those of Mindy Blevins, however, who works at the Frankford Public Library.

"I feel safe driving through," Blevins says. "Frankford is a booming town, so seeing cars moving through is also a positive more than a negative."

When asked about plans to increase pedestrian safety, Blevins says if homes are going to continue to be built, safe walkability needs to come alongside it.

DelDOT hopes to continue these plans with the Town of Frankford this summer, and throughout the calendar year, through workshops and other discussion methods.