Milton moving forward with plans for Chestnut Street four-way stop

Milton Town Council unanimously voted to move forward with design work on a proposed four-way stop at the intersection of Chestnut, Wharton and Atlantic streets.

The town’s plan would also include crosswalks and stop bars at the intersection, which has long been identified as problematic, mostly because of sight and visibility issues. 

At council’s Oct. 3 meeting, Town Manager Kristy Rogers asked for council’s blessing to move forward with design work, which she said is about 60% complete. Rogers said the town would next meet with the Delaware Department of Transportation for permitting and construction drawings. 

At this point, there is no timetable for when the project will begin, but additional discussions will be held at town council’s Monday, Nov. 7 meeting. 

DelDOT spokesman C.R. McLeod said while the department has not yet seen the design work for an all-way stop, the department is aware of the proposed changes. He said the department is serving in a support role to help town officials understand how an all-way stop would operate, as well as conducting data collection and analysis. 

“Right now, the ball is in the town’s court to make a decision on the intersection control treatment,” McLeod said. 

Town officials have also begun the process of planning for a potential four-way stop at the intersection of Federal, Mulberry and Wharton streets.

Rogers said DelDOT is conducting a traffic-impact study for the Granary at Draper Farm development. Because of the size of the Granary – 1,350 units on 450 acres on Sand Hill Road – DelDOT is including the impact of the development on other intersections in town, including the intersection at Federal, Mulberry and Wharton, which has been identified by council members as a place where a four-way stop should be considered, again, because of its obstructed sight lines. 

Mayor John Collier said the streets and sidewalks committee has recommended the intersection become a four-way stop. At this time, neither the town nor DelDOT has any construction plans, but Rogers sent a letter to DelDOT laying out the parameters of how the two entities would team up to improve the intersection. 

“I want to be very clear in my response that we intend to move forward with making a four-way stop, but we’re open to any additional measures DelDOT may require,” Collier said. 

Council voted to move forward with sending its letter to DelDOT by a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Fred Harvey voting no. 

Town council intends to resume discussion at its Monday, Nov. 7 meeting; at this point, McLeod said DelDOT has not been asked to attend.