Lewes removes Devries Circle bump-outs

The City of Lewes has removed bump-outs from Devries Circle because they failed to curb speeding.

Lewes Mayor and City Council unanimously approved removal of the traffic-calming feature installed in 2007, at a cost of $22,000.

The panel gave the job to David A. Bramble Inc., because it would have cost more than twice as much to employ another contractor.

Bramble was already working on Bay Avenue restoration, and the company still had crew and equipment working in the city.

City officials also approved lowering the speed limit on Devries Circle to 15 mph from 25 mph.

Police will enforce the slower speed limit, which will be key in ensuring street safety, officials said.

The city will use electronic signs that show motorists’ speed. Known as speed-limit feedback signs, the devices are said to be very effective at reducing speed.

Mike Tyler, chairman of Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, said the bump-outs were not effective because they should have been installed at the street’s entry points, not at midway points along the block.

Paul Eckrich, Lewes city manger, said he has talked to Cape Henlopen School District administrators and asked them to ensure motorists who use Devries Circle are made aware the bump-outs have been removed and the street’s speed limit reduced.

Lewes Mayor and City Council also heard about residents on Manila, Washington and Jefferson Avenues wanting speed bumps installed on their streets. The panel did not take action on the request.