ROAD CLOSURE

Section of Swamp Road Near Frankford to be Closed for More Than a Week

Delaware Department of Transportation officials say that Swamp Road, between US 113 (Dupont Highway) and Gum Tree Road, will be closed from Wednesday, January 31 through Friday, February 9.

The action is being taken so a work crew can replace a failing cross-road pipe.

Detours:

• Motorists traveling west on Swamp Road will be detoured south on Rt 113 to Gum Tree Road, making a right-hand turn. Motorists will follow Gum Tree Road back to Swamp Road.
• Motorists traveling east on Swamp Road will be detoured straight on Blueberry Lane to Rt 113. Motorists will cross the southbound lanes on Rt 113 and turn left onto Rt 113 northbound back to Swamp Road.

Click on the graphic to register for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS). It is the primary means state, county, and municipal agencies use in emergencies to inform citizens about potential threats to their health, safety, and welfare. The system allows local 911 centers or emergency managers to send messages to the specific street, neighborhood, or larger areas affected by the event.

Click here to get more information about other notifications offered by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

Coffee Meeting Recap

State Rep. Rich Collins held his regular constituent coffee meeting earlier this month.

One of the primary points of conversation was a lawsuit against the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) in which Rep. Collins is a plaintiff. The legal action challenges the recent regulations promulgated by the agency mandating that a growing percentage of new vehicles sold in Delaware must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), primarily electric vehicles.

DNREC adopted a version of California's Advanced Clean Car II regulations that implements an aggressive new vehicle sales mandate beginning two years from this fall (Model Year 2027) when 43% of all new vehicles that manufacturers send to The First State must be ZEVs. Just five years later, that mandate will reach 82% of all new cars, trucks, and SUVs.

In addition to rapidly phasing out the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles in Delaware, the regulations also restrict registering new fuel-powered vehicles purchased outside the state.

In part, the lawsuit is challenging the regulation because DNREC did not study of the economic consequences the rules will have on residents and small businesses -- a step required by state law. The plaintiffs dispute the agency's claims the new rules will have no impact.

State Rep. Rich Collins's constituent meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month starting at 8 a.m. The events are hosted by the Indian River Senior Center in Millsboro. Coffee and snacks are provided. All are welcome.

DelDOT Update on Transportation

Projects in the 41st District

North Millsboro Bypass, US 113 to SR 24

Project Description: This work includes a two-lane connector road between US 113 and SR 24, north of Millsboro. The new alignment starts at US 113 and extends eastward, bridging Fox Run Road, the Norfolk Southern Railroad, the Millsboro Pond, and Gravel Hill Road. The new road will connect to SR 24, west of Mountaire Farms. The project will also consist of a grade-separated US 113/SR 20 intersection.

Project Phase: Design/Right of Way

Projected Construction Completion: 2025

Project Update: The project has been split into two projects consisting of the grade separation and the connector road. Construction has started for the connector road and is in Phase 1. Phase 2 is expected to begin this summer. The grade-separated project is anticipated to begin later this year.

Bridge 3-402 on US113, Scour Countermeasures 

Project Description: This project involves placing rip-rap between the footings for the three-sided concrete frame experiencing scour. Rip-rap will also be placed at the upstream and downstream openings.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: July - September, 2024



Project Update: The project is in the bid process.

*HEP SC, SR 54 at Hudson Road Roundabout 

Project Description: This project will install a roundabout at the intersection of SR 54 and

Hudson Road.

Projected Construction Completion: TBD

Project Update: The design work is underway.

US 113 Widening, Dagsboro Road to Hardscrabble Road 

Project Description: This project will create an additional lane to US 113, northbound and

southbound, from Hardscrabble Road to Dagsboro Road. Crossover modifications along US 113 will be made throughout the project limits. Multimodal facilities will also be incorporated.

Projected Construction Completion: TBD

Project Update: The design work is progressing.

*HEP – Hazard Elimination Program

Delaware Farmers Market Sales

Hit a New High-Water Mark

Farmers markets hit a new sales record last year according to information recently released by the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA).

In 2023, total sales from the 17 Delaware community-run farmers markets totaled $4.144 million -- an increase of more than $437,000 from the previous record set in 2022.

Fresh produce comprised 52% of total sales, with the remainder coming from products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs, or honey.

Delaware farmers markets are run by municipalities, business groups, farmers, or market associations, with the DDA providing support and marketing assistance.

The 2024 market season will begin in May, with most markets open by the end of June. A current list of the 2023 markets is online at Delaware Grown and will be updated in late April for the 2024 season.

Those interested in becoming vendors or community groups interested in starting a local market can contact DDA Marketing Specialist Kathy Jackson at (302) 698-4625 or by email at kathy.jackson@delaware.gov.

Photo courtesy of the DDA.