Minos Conaway project’s earth berm caught my attention

Since I’m not supposed to drive more than 50 mph through the construction zone of the Minos Conaway Road project on Route 1, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to see the progress being made.

With new off-ramps, new roads and new roundabouts, there’s a lot going on with the project. However, it’s the large earth berm north of Minos Conaway Road that’s had my attention for weeks now. I guess it struck me one day while driving to work that drivers can no longer see into the Mill Pond Acres neighborhood.

Curious about the new pile of earth, I reached out to Charles “CR” McLeod, the spokesman for the Delaware Department of Transportation. He said the earth berm, which runs parallel to Red Mill Drive, is a noise-reduction tool and was included as a result of a study conducted during the design phase. The new southbound Route 1 off-ramp will bring traffic closer to the homes in this area, and the noise study determined many of the residences qualified for noise abatement, he said, adding the dimensions of the berm are 1,850 feet long, 10 feet high and 64 feet wide.

A few factors played into the decision to use a berm.

Overall, said McLeod, this project has an excess of cut material, so being able to physically use the dirt being taken out of the ground and repurpose it for the earth berm was a benefit. Additionally, earth berms are typically less expensive than constructing a noise wall, and the land between the new off-ramp and the homes is owned by the state, so there was room to construct the berm, he said.

Interlibrary loan program

My kids like to read books, so we’re frequent users of the Milton Public Library. The library doesn’t always have the desired books on hand. Fortunately, there’s an interlibrary loan program available. I was always under the impression the program operated among libraries throughout the state. I was wrong.

I came to that realization after a book my son had placed on hold came in. After picking it up, he noticed it was from a branch of the public library system in Kansas City, Mo. It was just a typical book of fiction. Nothing particularly special about it.

Courtney Roberts, an interlibrary loan specialist for the Sussex County Libraries system, said the program has always had a national and international reach. To her knowledge, the farthest away they’ve received items from is Australia, she said.

“[Interlibrary loan] is very important to our residents, and we get ILL requests almost daily,” said Roberts. “We have a lot of requests for hard-to-find study materials, out-of-print books and movies, rare CDs and other popular items that might be checked out at our libraries.”

The convenience of the interlibrary loan program isn’t the only reason to visit the Milton library. There are often events. The county’s Children’s Book Festival is Saturday, May 2.

Rachel Lynch, Sussex County director of libraries, said there will be opportunities to have books signed, create hands-on crafts, enjoy a petting zoo and more. The festival offers something for every age and interest, she said.

“It’s a chance to step away from screens, connect with the community and make lasting memories together,” said Lynch. “Whether you’re a devoted reader or just looking for a fun, enriching day out, the festival delivers a perfect blend of education, imagination and family-friendly fun.”

Joke of the Week

It’s farmers market season. The one in Lewes opens this weekend. The one in Rehoboth opens the middle of next week. The one in Milton opens at the end of next week. Roadside stands will be opening soon too. Here’s a joke that will impress the vendors. As always, send jokes to cflood@capegazette.com

Q: What do you call a pickle bought for a great price?

A: A sweet dill.