Speed limit reduced on Freeman Highway in Lewes
Lewes Mayor and City Council voted May 14 to lower the speed limit on Freeman Highway to 40 mph.
Freeman Highway, which is an important access route to the Lewes Terminal of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry from points south and west, is maintained by the Delaware River and Bay Authority. The DRBA maintenance department will be installing new speed limit signs in the days ahead. The speed limit reduction from 50 mph to 40 mph takes effect June 1.
The speed limit change was the result of concerns raised by Raymond Quillen, a resident of Lewes and local cycling enthusiast. A few months ago, Quillen met with DRBA Executive Director Tom Cook regarding the high rate of speed on Freeman Highway and the safety risks to cyclists, runners and walkers who use the popular trails of Junction & Breakwater and Gordons Pond. Following a meeting with DelDOT officials and discussions with Lewes elected leaders, the DRBA agreed to lower the speed limit.
“I’m gratified that we were able to work with DelDOT and Lewes officials to reduce the speed limit on Freeman Highway,” Cook said. “Mr. Quillen raised legitimate issues that needed to be addressed. It has always been my policy that government on all levels should be responsive to public concerns and implement necessary changes when appropriate.”
“I want to thank Mr. Cook and his staff for listening to what I had to say,” Quillen said. “They have indicated to me that the agency will continue to explore additional safety options on the Freeman Bridge where the shoulder narrows to just 5 feet. I am confident that additional measures will be developed in the future that work for both cyclists and motorists while addressing these concerns.”
“The City of Lewes has long enjoyed an excellent relationship with the DRBA, and safety is always a primary concern for both the city and the DRBA,” said Mayor Ted Becker. “The overall increased usage of Freeman Highway by vehicles, coupled with the uptick in the number of cyclists, runners and walkers has increased the risk of the occurrence of an incident. The reduction to 40 mph on Freeman Highway will improve the safety for everyone without impeding the flow of vehicular traffic.”
“Motorists, pedestrians, joggers and cyclists all use this Freeman Highway every day,” said Lt. Clayton Palmer of the DRBA police department. “We want everyone who uses the roadways coming and going from Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to feel safe doing so, and this change helps.”
