Historic Lewes Byway Committee supports Kings Highway plan
We encourage area residents to attend DelDOT’s public workshop on the Kings Highway capital project set for 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the Cape Henlopen High School cafeteria.
Kings Highway was designated as a state scenic byway in 2009. Since that time, the Historic Lewes Byway Committee has advocated for funding, completed a master plan and, without interruption, worked with DelDOT on a landscaped Kings Highway capital road project to improve the flow of traffic on Kings Highway between Dartmouth Drive and Freeman Highway. Our goal for Kings Highway has always been to extend the character of Lewes, and not bring the chaos of Route 1 in.
The Kings Highway/Gills Neck Road Master Plan, developed with overwhelming public input and support in 2016 and approved by DelDOT, is the guiding document to maintain Lewes’ distinct identity and sense of place.
Preserving the scenic, historic and natural qualities for which the road was originally designated has not been an easy task given the extensive development that has taken place. Appropriately placed landscaping is a large part of that plan. Although no plan completely aligns with the master plan, the Historic Lewes Byway Committee supports DelDOT’s capital project design of five landscaped roundabouts.
Roundabouts, especially five on one corridor, are a major departure from past practice. After their introduction, our committee recommended the nationally recognized consultant, Kittelson & Associates Inc., complete a peer review of the project. DelDOT accepted our recommendation, and Kittelson completed its review along with a listening session held with corridor stakeholders. Kittelson confirmed landscaping, correctly placed, calms traffic and enhances safety, especially in roundabouts. Kittelson also recommended several safety improvements in the roundabouts for pedestrians and cyclists, which have been included.
We encourage you to attend the public meeting. See for yourself the improved traffic flow, the important landscape features, and improved safe mobility for walking and biking of all ages along this gateway to Lewes.
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