LAUREL, Del. -- Residents of a back road in Laurel are raising safety concerns as increased traffic moves through the street.
11th Street, located near Van Buren Avenue and West Street, is a narrow stretch of gravel and dirt road that residents say was not designed to handle heavy traffic. While it is a public road, neighbors say it was historically used primarily by those who live nearby.
That has changed in recent years, as GPS navigation systems have begun routing drivers along 11th Street as a shortcut to Jackson Street.
The one-lane road features sharp turns, limited visibility, and uneven terrain, with paving only at either end where it connects to West Street and transitions into a county road. Much of the roadway resembles a private drive, though it remains open to the public.
Residents say the increase in traffic has created hazardous conditions, particularly for pedestrians.
"There's more traffic coming down the road, and sometimes it moves very quickly," neighbor Michele Milway said. "There is a very blind turn, and you cannot see anything. When I'm taking a walk with the dogs, we sometimes end up in the nearby field trying to avoid traffic. It is quite frightening."
Milway said she hopes town officials will take steps to improve safety, either by repairing the road or adding signage.
"Fix it up a little bit, improve visibility or make it so there are not as many potholes," Milway said. "Or they should put some sort of sign up that says residential area or no through traffic."
Other residents share similar concerns. Ben Hudson addressed the issue at the February 17th town council meeting, asking town leaders to address the concerns. Hudson said he installed a 'children-at-play' sign near his home in an effort to protect his family.
"When you go around the corner, you can't see if anybody's coming either way. I've run into people coming up here, and they just drive too fast. I just don't wanna see anybody get hurt," Hudson said. "So they should put a sign up here that says no outlet here to stop the through traffic."
Officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding potential plans to repair the road or install additional signage.