SUSSEX COUNTY — Drivers heading along Route 1 will need to ease off the gas, as DelDOT has implemented new speed limit reductions from Dewey Beach to the Maryland state line.
The group’s founder, Seth Hamed, said he launched the coalition in response to what he described as dangerous road conditions along the corridor.
“The problem was the speed limit — 55 miles per hour. Looks like a drag strip,” Hamed said. “There’s a wide median, there was limited signage.”
Since 2019, the coalition has worked with DelDOT on traffic studies and community surveys. One survey revealed that 70% of respondents supported reducing the speed limit, also citing a history of accidents and safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists.
“What matters is we’re going to save lives,” Hamed said. “I’ve personally seen two people get hit on bikes and die on Route 1. What I remember, besides the mangled bike, is the look on the driver and his wife’s face as they were interviewed by DSP—knowing their lives will never be the same.”
Hamed says the groups next objective is improving bike safety, even potentially creating a separate bike lane from the highway, similar to the Lewes-Georgetown trail. He says this is expected to be discussed further at a workshop with DelDOT June 3rd at the South Coastal Library.
Speed Limit Reductions Implemented This Week Include:
Southbound from Dewey Beach to just past Conquest Road:
55 mph reduced to 35 mph and 50 mph in different sections.
Northbound from just before Conquest Road to Dewey Beach:
55 mph reduced to 50 mph; 35 mph posted near Keybox Road.
Southbound from Old Inlet Bait & Tackle to the south side of the Indian River Inlet Bridge:
55 mph reduced to 50 mph; pedestrian/bicyclist crossing now marked.
Northbound from the south side of the bridge to Old Inlet Bait & Tackle:
55 mph reduced to 50 mph.
Southbound from the bridge to Collins Road:
55 mph reduced to 45 mph.
Northbound from Collins Road to just past Dune Road:
Existing 45 mph remains; 55 mph area now reduced to 45 mph; 50 mph sign added.
Southbound through Bethany Beach/South Bethany:
55 mph reduced to 50 mph.
Northbound through Bethany Beach/South Bethany:
35 mph remains in place.
Northbound from Narrows Road to the Maryland state line:
55 mph reduced to 50 mph; 45 and 35 mph zones remain unchanged.
Southbound from Maryland line to Narrows Road:
35 mph remains; 45 mph posted near Lewes Street; 55 mph reduced to 50 mph.
Courtesy: DelDOT
Courtesy: DelDOT