FENWICK ISLAND, Del. -- In partnership with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Town of Fenwick Island installed new bayside sidewalks on five blocks along Route One from Indian Street to Dagsboro Street. Now, the town is exploring adding sidewalks on the oceanside, in addition to other measures, to keep pedestrians safe.
"DelDOT had money for us this year," says Mayor Natalie Magdeburger. "They're actually taking a look at the design of the sidewalks both on the east and the west side and it would be both for the incorporated part of Fenwick as well as the unincorporated."
She says if the town accumulates the necessary funding, DelDOT will potentially start construction for the sidewalks in the Fall of 2026.
Town officials are also looking to add and move crosswalks at certain intersections and exploring a median project to slow drivers down.
Mayor Magdeburger says the town is also exploring changes to legislation for crosswalks.
"We'd like it to change so as they are at the edge of the crosswalk that it's mandatory for the car to stop," says Magdeburger. "We'd like to change the culture in Delaware."
Dale Clifton, whose business is on Route One, agrees that the changes are needed. He says drivers should also be informed of the area's pedestrian safety laws.
"The big thing would be kind of a better information program to let people coming know that are visiting in this area what the laws are, because a lot of times, they don't stop for pedestrians because in their state, they don't have that law," says Clifton.
Barbara Lohse, who often rides her bicycle in Fenwick Island, says she'd like to see other safety measures implemented in addition to those the town is already discussing.
"There might be a shoulder or a walkway, but yet, there is some sort of barrier between the cars and the people so you feel safer," says Lohse.