GEORGETOWN, Del. - Sussex County lawmakers are expressing concerns that proposed changes meant to improve two Georgetown-area intersections could actually make the crossings less safe.
"While well-intentioned, we believe the travel restrictions imposed by the intersection changes will have unintended consequences on traffic flow that will actually increase the possibility of traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities," said Rep. Ruth Briggs King and state Sen. Joe Booth in a letter dated Jan. 24, 2012.
Several dozen people showed up at a public workshop Monday hosted by the Delaware Department of Transportation to learn about the proposal.
The project includes changes to the median along Route 113 at the intersections of Wood Branch Road and Speedway Road. By reconfiguring the turn lanes, some traffic would be restricted from crossing the highway at both intersections.
DelDOT has recorded 33 crashes at the two intersections over the last six years, including one deadly crash.
King said she is concerned the changes would shift the problems to neighboring crossovers or create dangerous conditions for drivers who would be inclined to make u-turns.
"I think, personally, they need a light here because people just run the intersection all the time," said neighbor Margaret Lingo.
The proposed changes are considered the best choices to improve safety, said DelDOT project manager Monroe Hite. While some neighbors asked about a traffic signal, Hite said a light may increase rear-end collisions instead.
DelDOT hopes to move forward quickly given the number of crashes, Hite said. Delaying or scrapping the project would likely lead to additional crashes until new changes are implemented, DelDOT said.
The state accepted input from members of the community Monday night. Even if neighbors oppose the plan, DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt could order work to move forward anyway because of safety concerns, Hite explained.
The cost is unclear, given the state has not put the project out to bid yet, said spokesman Jason Lang. DelDOT did not say when it would make a decision on the changes.
This design is one proposal under consideration to modify the intersection of Route 113 and Speedway Road near Georgetown. (Courtesy: DelDOT)
