Sussex County seeks suggestions for state transportation projects

Anyone who has a suggestion to improve state roads now has a chance to recommend changes.

Sussex County is asking the public to suggest road projects as it prepares to make a list of recommendations for inclusion in the Delaware Department of Transportation’s 2027-32 Capital Transportation Program.

Residents can submit ideas until 4 p.m., Monday, March 24, at sussexcountyde.gov/capital-transportation-program-request-ideas.

​​Every two years, DelDOT develops a six-year Capital Transportation Program that includes construction and maintenance projects. This program is developed with the Wilmington Area Planning Council, Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Salisbury-Wicomico Metropolitan Planning Organization and Sussex County.

The ideas for projects – such as infrastructure and safety improvements and road efficiencies – come from residents, legislators, regional planning organizations, counties or state transportation staff, according to DelDOT.

The agency checks if there are any planned projects that would address the issues, and prioritizes projects. Studies are often conducted as the state develops possible options and recommendations. 

Chip Guy, communications officer for Sussex County government, said in an email March 10 that the county simply forwards the suggestions to DelDOT for consideration.

DelDOT will draft its Capital Transportation Program based on recommendations submitted by Sussex and the other organizations. Public meetings on the proposal will be held before the state Council on Transportation reviews it and votes on the plan. A bond bill will be drafted and approval sought.

No schedule was provided on the DelDOT website for the approval process.