Lewes committee doesn’t want metal plates on drawbridge

The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee does not support the state’s idea to add metal plates in the center of travel lanes over the Savannah Road drawbridge.

The committee’s vote was only a recommendation to council, which is likely to discuss the issue at its July 13 regular meeting. The Delaware Department of Transportation has the final decision, as Savannah Road and the bridge are state-owned. C.R. McLeod, director of community relations for DelDOT, said the state will do whatever mayor and city council decide.

“DelDOT doesn’t view this as a safety issue and put this proposal forward as a courtesy for the bike advocates who want to improve comfort when riding over the bridge,” he said. “Ultimately, if the city decides they don’t want it, we won’t move forward with it.”

Local cyclist Ray Quillen advocated for a safer crossing of the grated drawbridge, but, he said, he did not pitch the idea of adding the 40-inch-wide metal plates in the center of each travel lane. Still, he said, he supports DelDOT’s proposal.

Committee members did not share his viewpoint. While it is perfectly legal for a cyclist to take the travel lane, many committee members saw potential safety issues related to behavior of both cyclists and motorists.

“I think in a perfect world, this bridge would be wider and we could install these plates on the shoulder as a bike lane,” said committee member Chip Davis. “The reality is that we have a 29-foot-wide bridge, and it’s extremely tight. Putting a bicyclist in the middle of the road there is an accident waiting to happen.”

Mike Tyler, former chair of the committee who stepped down when he moved out of town, said he has no problem with bicyclists riding in the center of travel lanes, but metal plates do not seem like a safe surface.

Other people who’ve spoken out against the plan say oil and other liquids and debris from vehicles could collect on the plates and create a slick surface, particularly when wet.

DelDOT provided several examples of material that could be used on the bridge. All included a grip plate for traction.

The City of Lewes does not allow bicyclists over the age of 12 to ride on the sidewalk. Cyclists are encouraged to dismount and walk their bicycles over the bridge.

The committee considered three recommendations to council: 1. Metal strips down the center of each travel lane; 2. Metal plates along the shoulders of each travel lane; 3. Leave the bridge as is. The committee chose to recommend that the bridge be left alone. 

The committee also recommended the city consider adding at least 18 inches to the shoulder immediately east of the bridge, as bicyclists descend toward the beach. The sidewalk and guardrail would have to be reconfigured, but, Chair Don Long said adding the extra space would give cyclists more room to ride, creating a safer environment.