Lewes seeks state funding for Savannah streetscape project

Lewes is quickly becoming a hub for bicyclists, and if a partnership between the city and state pans out, the city's trail system could grow even larger.

The city has submitted an application to the Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternative Program that outlines a conceptual plan to improve the streetscape along the Lewes Beach side of Savannah Road and add trails to connect Savannah Road to Freeman Highway and eventually to the planned Georgetown to Lewes Rail to Trail.

As submitted, the project would be split into three phases, with streetscape work listed as the top priority.

Ann Gravatt, DelDOT program supervisor, said TAP projects typically cost about $1 million. After looking at Lewes' application, she said, the project is much too large to complete at that cost. She said it is likely the streetscape project alone would also have to be split into two phases to get TAP funds.

“I think it's a great project personally and professionally,” said Gravatt, who's also been working with Lewes' Scenic and Historic Byway Committee for several years. “I'm going to do everything I can to help facilitate it.”

Gravatt said there are about 15 requests for TAP funding in the queue, but she is hopeful early stage planning can begin this fall or winter. While TAP funding would require a 20 percent match from the city, she said, planning would likely be covered by the state.

With available planning funds, she said, the state taps one of its three open-ended consultants to work on the project. The result would be a mini master plan that would give a better sense of scale and cost of the project.

Gail van Gilder, chair of the byway committee, submitted the application on behalf of the city. She said the first phase would include streetscape work along Savannah Road, including improved sidewalks, crosswalks, signage, landscaping and possibly a gateway. The second phase would create a trail connection along American Legion Road from Savannah Road to Freeman Highway. Finally, the third phase would connect the beach side of Lewes with the Georgetown to Lewes Rail to Trail, which is planned to end on Gills Neck Road at the base of the Freeman Bridge.

“Those are very long-term projects,” said van Gilder. “But it's important that when you apply for funding that you give them the whole vision of what it could be.”

Improvements along eastern portion of Savannah Road have been discussed at several levels of the city's government over the last year. As one of the city's byways, the byway committee included Savannah as part of its recently completed Corridor Management Plan, which lays out recommendations to preserve, enhance and improve designated areas in and around Lewes. City council and the planning commission also discussed ideas for revitalizing East Savannah Road and tasked planning consultant Environmental Resources Management with analyzing the corridor as part of its larger look at the marine-commercial district.

Gravatt cautioned the city against moving forward with any improvements before it is determined if the city will receive TAP funding. If the project moves forward, she said, the public will be included in the development of the plan.

“There is a public process to this concept planning,” she said. “This is not done in isolation.”