Work on first phase of Munchy Branch multiuse trail nears
The first phase of a project to provide safer bicyclist and pedestrian access along Munchy Branch Road near Rehoboth Beach is expected to be begin construction this fall.
Phase 1 of the project includes a 2-foot shoulder, curbing and an 8-foot concrete sidewalk/multiuse trail along the eastern side of the road from Seaside Boulevard to Field Lane, with a tie-in to an existing sidewalk leading to Route 1. The existing road will be milled down and overlaid with new pavement.
Eventually, in two other phases as funding becomes available, the shoulder, curb and sidewalk will be extended the length of Munchy Branch Road to Wolfe Neck Road.
Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
The sidewalk will only be constructed on the east side of the road because of existing utility poles and stormwater swales on the western side, said John Hermes of Century Engineering, a Delaware Department of Transportation consultant.
“I've been waiting a long time for this project,” said House Speaker Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach. “Over the years I've heard many complaints from bicyclists and pedestrians that this area is very dangerous for people on the roadway.”
A four-way stop was added last spring at the Field Lane-Munchy Branch Road-Shady Ridge Drive intersection, which is a section of road included in the project.
Hermes said tie-ins to residences along the road will match either concrete or hot-mix asphalt of existing driveways.
During a Jan. 13 public workshop, questions were asked about two-way bike traffic on the sidewalk.
Hermes said two-way bike and pedestrian traffic is permitted on regular 5-foot sidewalks. “At eight feet, this is wide enough for two-direction bike traffic. This is a consideration in the design,” he said.
He said there are no plans to widen the existing sidewalk from Seaside Boulevard to Route 1, but he did not rule out widening in the future.
Several people also asked about lighting along the roadway and new sidewalk. Hermes said no new lighting is proposed as part of the project but officials would consider the suggestion.
When questioned about a tie-in to the Wolfe Neck trailhead for the Junction & Breakwater Trail along Wolfe Neck Road, officials said the ultimate goal is to provide that access, but it's not part of the proposed project.
