DelDOT is providing Kevin's office with a new update on efforts being made to address flooding concerns along Route 299, just east of Odessa at the causeway.
As was agreed to by DelDOT at a public meeting Kevin held in November 2021, the department is to install flooding sensors and signage on Route 299 in the area to alert motorists about high water during storm events.
DelDOT is providing an updated implementation schedule for the flood warning signal system that has been installed in several locations around the Odessa area.
DelDOT's Director of Transportation Resilience and Sustainability Stephanie Johnson this week sent the following email to Kevin:
We anticipate a portion of the system (about half) will be operational by May with the remaining portion of the system being activated in July. The delays in implementation of this system are the result of many different factors including the availability of equipment and vendors to ensure all components of the system are fully functional and appropriately calibrated.
I plan to follow-up regularly with the Traffic Section to get updates on their progress.
As you know, safety is our highest priority. We recognize that the frequent flooding of these roadways has caused and continues to cause significant safety concerns and that the Odessa and surrounding communities are anxious to have this system fully functioning to have better information about the availability of these roadways. We are doing our due diligence to make sure that this signal system is fully functional and reliable to the public once implemented.
I also want to let you know that our division is working on a drainage study of SR 299 from East of Odessa to Old Corbitt Road. The objective of this study is to identify flood mitigation alternatives to protect SR 299 and minimize the occurrence of flooding on this segment of the roadway. We are currently in the process of finalizing the drainage study report. Once complete, we plan to hold a public meeting to go over the findings and alternatives and work with the public to build consensus on a proposed approach. We are targeting for a spring public meeting.
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