Pilottown Road could be raised 2.5 feet
Flooding on Pilottown Road near the bridge at Canary Creek is becoming a problem in Lewes.
The Coast Guard, University of Delaware, and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are just a few of the entities that rely on accessibility of the roadway. According to DNREC, nuisance flooding caused by east and northeast winds can make the path impassable and increase the potential for flash flooding or swiftly moving water. Officials say even shallow flood depths can cause disruptions in the area.
During the July 28 workshop, Joe Faries of the DNREC Shoreline and Waterway Management section, and Joe Hofstee, of Lewes consultant AECOM, presented findings and solutions to Lewes Mayor and City Council. DNREC conducted the flood study in partnership with the Delaware Department of Transportation, while AECOM was tasked with completing engineering and analysis. A FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant funded about $100,000 of the project, while $34,560 was covered by a state match.
The most straightforward way to mitigate flooding is to elevate the road above the flood levels. An 2.5-foot increase of elevation would raise the road to just above the 10-year flood elevation. AECOM said its focus on selecting the appropriate elevation was based on five- and 10-year events. About 500 feet of Park Road would also need to be raised to accommodate Pilottown Road’s new elevation.
Elevating the roadway would not act as a dam and should not create problems in adjacent areas during nuisance flooding and 100-year-or-more events, officials said. The area southeast of the bridge, a marshy and uninhabited peninsula, could see an increase in flood elevation up to 6 inches.
Moving forward, Hofstee said, findings and solutions will be presented to UD, the Coast Guard and other businesses on the west end of Pilottown Road. They’ll also present at a mayor and city council workshop.
Should the project move forward, officials would seek a federal grant. The application process opens in September and closes in January, so a start date of spring 2023 is possible.
Neither DelDOT nor DNREC has the project budgeted. Both entities are waiting for the grant application process before moving forward. More information about the project is available by emailing Joseph.Faries@delaware.gov or calling DNREC Shoreline and Waterway Management Section at 302-739-9126.
