Bayshore Scenic Byway gets federal grant

U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester have announced the award of $913,420 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to the Delaware Department of Transportation for improving the Delaware Bayshore National Scenic Byway.

“Home to world-class birding and unique coastal marshes, Delaware’s Bayshore is a national treasure,” said Carper, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “I’m pleased to announce funding for this thoroughfare, which will allow the First State to continue sharing our natural wonders with residents and visitors alike.”

“Delaware’s natural beauty is meant to be shared by everyone, and I’m glad this funding will improve access for all who wish to enjoy the coastlands, river towns and marshes of the First State,” Coons said.

“The Delaware Bayshore National Scenic Byway offers Delawareans the opportunity to take in our state’s rich natural heritage along the Delaware River and Bay – and it deserves to be protected and invested in,” Blunt Rochester said.

“Since DelDOT started the state byway program in 2000, we have seen the popularity of this scenic route continue to grow,” said DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski. “Increasing opportunities with this grant for safe, non-motorized travel along this corridor will only further enhance the experience for residents and guests.”

In February 2021, the Delaware Bayshore Byway received the designation from the Federal Highway Administration as a National Scenic Byway. The 100-mile byway is a scenic two-lane road that follows roads and views along the Delaware River and Bay. From its northern limit in the historic City of New Castle to the southern beach resorts just outside Lewes, the byway corridor offers visitors and locals an opportunity to view preserved coastal marshlands and historic river towns along Delaware's coast.

For more information, go to news.delaware.gov/2021/04/22/the-delaware-bayshore-byway-national-scenic-byway-designation-sign-unveiling/.