Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail is state’s most popular
Delaware Greenways has released results of a Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail survey responded to by more than 800 people between Aug. 18 and Oct. 3, 2022.
Not surprisingly, 75% of users used a bicycle on the trail, 74% of trail users are ages 55-74, 42% complained about speed, 22% said electric bikes should be banned from the trail and Lewes ZIP code residents were the primary trail users during the survey time period.
The first phase from Gills Neck Road to Savannah Road in Lewes was opened in June 2016. Over the past seven years, five more sections have been added.
From the survey of those using the trail:
• 20% walk and 4% run or jog
• 84% spend from one to two hours on the trail
• 40% use the trail two to four times per week
• 54% use the trail all year; 34% in the spring, summer and fall
• 74% use other trails
• 92% said they used the trail primarily for exercise, but also for recreation and relaxation.
Respondents were also asked what would improve their trail experience.
• 15% said walking on the trail can be an issue and suggested a separate walking lane
• Nearly 20% mentioned safety issues, mostly at crosswalks and intersections. Suggestions included speed bumps, more flashing lights and traffic signals at crossovers
• 16% said more effort should be made to complete the trail with more access trails
• 11% said they would like to see regular maintenance and mentioned that weeds take over some sections of the trail
• Nearly 10% said no improvements were needed.
Other suggestions include additional trail lighting, more parking areas for users who drive to the trail, and public restrooms and water stations.
Completed sections
Lewes to Cape Henlopen State Park, 9,000 feet
Gills Neck Road to Savannah Road, 6,000 feet
Savannah Road to Minos Conaway Road, 17,250 feet
Minos Conaway Road to Log Cabin Hill Road, 8,400 feet
Log Cabin Hill Road to Cool Spring Road, 4,250 feet
Cool Spring Road to Fisher Road, 7,300 feet
Georgetown to Airport Road, 4,800 feet
Remaining sections
Fisher Road to Harbeson Road, 7,850 feet
Harbeson Road to Gravel Hill Road, 9,250 feet
Gravel Hill Road to Park Avenue, 8,600 feet
Park Avenue to Airport Road, 6,200 feet
Last phase slated for spring 2025
The big news concerning the popular trail is that federal funding has been awarded to help finish the 17-mile trail.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have secured a $21 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant to complete the remaining six miles of the trail from Fisher Road to Airport Road outside Georgetown. DelDOT spokesman C.R. McLeod said planning and design is underway, with construction expected to begin in spring 2025.
The grant was won due to efforts by Delaware's federal delegation, including U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.
“Since the first phase of the Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail opened in October 2016, and with each completed segment, it has now become the most heavily used trail in the state. This grant will allow the department to move forward with building the final six miles of the trail, connecting our growing communities with a great alternative to relying solely on cars for travel,” said Delaware Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.
