New approach needed at IR Inlet

Patrick Sullivan

September 29, 2026

Event Date:

Mon, 09/28/2026 - 09:39 am

The Indian River Inlet bridge is one of the most important connections between coastal communities in Sussex County, yet every major coastal storm raises the possibility the bridge and the roads leading to it could be closed.

DelDOT should explore building a causeway on either side of the Indian River Inlet bridge to provide additional protection from storm surge, flooding and erosion. A raised, reinforced approach could help keep the bridge accessible when coastal storms threaten the area, reducing the likelihood that residents, businesses, emergency responders and visitors are cut off from one another.

We have invested heavily in the Indian River Inlet bridge. It makes sense to protect that investment and ensure the surrounding infrastructure is capable of keeping it open when it is needed most.

Coastal storms are not going away, and neither are the communities that depend on this critical connection. Rather than continuing to close the bridge or nearby roads when conditions deteriorate, DelDOT should look at a long-term solution.

A causeway may be a significant investment, but maintaining reliable access to Delaware's coastal communities is an investment worth considering.

Patrick Sullivan
Bethany Beach

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