DelDOT Starts $2.4 Million Bethany Beach Project - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

BETHANY BEACH, Del. - Winter isn't slowing down Bethany Beach.

DelDOT's $2.4 million improvement project to Garfield Parkway is now in full swing. The project covers two-and-a-half blocks from past Pennsylvania Avenue and Atlantic Avenue to State Route 1.

"There was a lot of safety concerns down here, so this project will fix all of that," said Jeff Niezgoda, DelDOT Planning Supervisor.

Bethany Beach Mayor Tony McClenny adds that "the safety is important to us, especially on the evenings."

DelDOT will be widening sidewalks, adding pedestrian crossings, upgrading curb ramps, installing lighting, landscaping and improving signage for bicycle lanes on both north and south sides downtown.

"It is kind of cluttered when you have [some 30,000] people in one days time," said McClenny. "The businesses will look forward to many people we bring then."

"It's going to be a lot easier for the people in the Summertime," said Shemus Bryner, Bethany Trading Company assistant manager. "As a business, at least it's slow in the winter anyway but its just good actually to have business here but it's going to withhold that."

The current sidewalks are not American Disabilities Act compliant, which officials say will change once the project is completed.

Pierre Shostal, who often walks downtown says that he thinks "it's a very good initiative. Anything that improves safety and movement for the pedestrians and bikers."

Officials say the project is funded by the state as a part of their First State Trails and Pathway Program. When asked if Bethany Beach residents should see any increases in taxes, Mayor McClenny says "the project should not increase the taxes of anybody in town."

DelDOT hopes to complete the northside of the project by mid-May. The southside by the end of the year.