Bethany-Fenwick Chamber Pushes For Smooth Ride Throughout Route - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del., - It's a new year and a clean slate for the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce.

Executive Director, David Martin is new to the team, but is bringing fresh ideas for the quiet resorts community.

"Once people discover it like I did about 14 to 15 years ago, they're not going to ever want to go anywhere else, and we really want to promote that over the next couple months," said Martin.

Fenwick's Flicks on the Beach got high ratings, but had little impact on area businesses.

So the chamber says they'll tweak that, and brainstorm for some new events that would boost tourism.

"A massive sidewalk sale along with a restaurant and pub craw, if promoted correctly, gets locals and visitors alike in the door," said Martin.

The only way to get more foot traffic, is to ease road traffic for tourists and residents.

DelDOT's upcoming construction project for Route 26 is raising concern for businesses like Banks Wine and Spirits, which sits right on the highway.

Kami Banks is their CFO and also happens to be the president elect for the chamber.

"Letting people know when it's going to effect their business, and how long it's going to effect their business is really going to be helpful," she said.

The four-mile project will be broken up into four phases, over a four year period.

Unlike the lengthy and reportedly problematic Route 54 project, construction will be done mostly at night.

We hear DelDOT's plans for Rout 26 will increase walk ability, with the construction of sidewalks and a bike lane. Not to mention, it's expected to decrease the swell of traffic, and the amount of accidents by adding a third turning lane.

"I'm trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel," said Banks.

On Thursday January 31st, DelDOT and the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber will meet to discuss better ways of communication throughout the construction process.

Once it begins, area residents can subscribe to Route 26 updates, and get daily emails about what's happening.