I recently read about the two large-scale projects proposed by the developers of Northstar and Cool Spring Crossing that will add another 2,800 residential units to the already-congested Route 9 area just west of Lewes. Here we go again. Another 6,000 cars on the roadways since every residential unit accounts for two vehicles on average. This is in addition to the numerous other developments in the planning/approved stage.
What is the state/county game plan for infrastructure improvements before we go ahead with all these projects? Other than some vague comments about road improvements, what is really being done to improve the roadways? We can't even get the the Department of Transportation to put a traffic light at the intersection of Dairy Farm Road and Beaver Dam Road. Try making a left turn on that road after 3 p.m. Once Beaver Dam Road reopens next spring, forget about making a left turn. Goodnight, Irene!
What about the construction on Route 24 in Millsboro? Is there a timeframe for completion? That's been going on for years, with no end in sight! By the time the work is complete, it will be obsolete.
Do the so-called road improvements on the above two projects include widening the roads, adding shoulders, adding lanes, new roads or what? As an example, Cool Spring Road and Dairy Farm Road are very narrow – no shoulders, no nothing. Two vehicles can barely fit on those two roads now, so let's add another 6,000 cars!
Most of the roads in this area were constructed well before the developments that have been built over the past 10 to 15 years. The reality is that our present roads cannot keep up with the population growth.
The concern here: Is there a game plan for for real infrastructure improvements other than window dressing before we start approving thousands of new residential units in a small geographic area?
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