Public Workshop Kennett Pike and Route 82

Now is the time to speak up for bikes - insist that bicycle accommodations are included in the design of this intersection. This is after all the Kennett Pike Greenway a designated scenic byway.



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Public Workshop

A.I. duPont High School
50 Hillside Road
Greenville
Tuesday
February 24, 2009
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces a public workshop for proposed improvements to the Route 52 & Route 82 intersection. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at the A.I. duPont High School, 50 Hillside Road, Greenville. The public is invited to attend any time between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Attendees will be able to view and discuss the proposed intersection improvements at Route 52 & Route 82, which include adding a separate left-turn lane, thru lane and a right-turn lane on northbound and southbound Route 52. As part of the design process, nighttime construction is also being considered to address traffic and safety issues during construction.

Interested persons are invited to express their views in writing, giving reasons for support of or in opposition to, the proposed project. Comments will be received during the workshop or can be mailed to DelDOT Public Relations, P.O. Box 778, Dover, DE 19903. When applicable, we offer the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire online which will automatically get emailed to Public Relations.

This location is accessible to persons having disabilities. Any person having special needs or requiring special aid, such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired, is requested to contact DelDOT by phone or mail one week in advance.

For further information contact Public Relations at 1-800-652-5600 (in DE) or 302-760-2080 or write to the above address.

DelDOT Virtual Public Workshops Should Improve Public Information

Kudos to DelDOT for implementing virtual workshops. This should increase Bike Delaware's ability to stay on top of those smaller projects on roads popular with bicyclists. We will submit Virtual Workshop Links on this blog.

Sandy Bend Road Bridge Virtual Workshop

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Press Release -- January 29, 2009

DelDOT Saves Money by Going 'Virtual'

New Project Communication Process More Efficient, Effective

Dover -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is continuing its cost savings efforts in the new year by transitioning when appropriate from "live" public workshops to "virtual" public workshops. Virtual workshops are a less costly way for DelDOT to interact with the community about upcoming transportation projects.

This new workshop format is one tool in the Departments' tool kit to more efficiently and effectively communicate with the public, at various stages of a project's life cycle. Other ways include:

DelDOT Web site
Zip code mailings
Door-to-door visits
Neighborhood postings
Temporary displays in local public buildings
Targeted meetings with stakeholders
Press releases
Newspaper advertisements

In 2008, there were 50 public workshops and/or hearings. The main expenses were DelDOT staff overtime/compensatory time, outside firm time, room rental fees, and fuel costs. Under the new process, DelDOT expects that many of the above costs will nearly be eradicated. DelDOT's goal is to be more effective and efficient communicators. It should be noted that hearings required by law will continue to be held.

The centerpiece communication tool is the virtual public workshop, a Web page that includes information about a proposed transportation project with an added bonus: the public is able to submit a project-specific questionnaire or survey directly online. The project's description, design plans, detour routes, and current photographs (as available) will also be posted. When appropriate and practical, there will be a multimedia component where a DelDOT representative will explain the project through an audio or video feature (all created in-house).

"DelDOT is committed to informing the public about transportation projects," DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks said. "What we are calling 'virtual' public workshops will continue to inform the community because the Web pages will have all the information that we bring to 'live' public workshops. DelDOT personnel will continue to find ways to be more cost efficient and still communicate with the public."

A typical live workshop is limited to the hours of 4 to 7 p.m. on a weekday. The virtual workshops are a more convenient way to learn about upcoming transportation projects. Constituents can read and review the design plans 24 hours per day, 7 days per week from the comfort of their personal computer. While there will be deadlines to submit comments at www.deldot.gov, constituents will have several weeks to review the proposals before the due date.

The Sandy Bend Road bridge project is the inaugural virtual public workshop because the project affects a relatively small number of residents and businesses in Marydel. The virtual workshop goes live Jan. 29. Typically, public workshops for small bridge projects are not well attended. The bridge project's description, design plans, and current photographs will be posted on DelDOT's Web site with the added feature where the public can submit project-related comments online. All comments are reviewed by the project manager and other staff. Furthermore, there is a video presentation describing the virtual workshop feature and bridge project.

This project is also a good fit for a virtual workshop because the proposed improvements to the bridge over Tappahanna Ditch are minor. While the bridge's substructure is in good condition, repairs will be made to the bridge's deteriorating beams. In addition, riprap will be placed in the stream for scour protection, the existing guardrail will be removed and replaced, and the approaches will be reconstructed. The design phase is to be complete in spring 2009 with an anticipated construction completion date of fall 2009. A detour will be in place for up to 60 days. Comments are due March 1.

Live workshops in facilities closer to higher-profile projects like Indian River Inlet Bridge and Route 301 will continue. These meetings are more popular and better attended, warranting the expense. These projects might utilize a virtual feature in addition to a live workshop.

Those who do not have Internet access may call DelDOT at (800) 652-5600 or (302) 760-2080 to learn and ask questions about projects. Comments will still be accepted by postal mail addressed to DelDOT Public Relations, P.O. Box 778, Dover DE 19903. Businesses and residents directly impacted by projects will continue to receive notification by postal mail.

Delaware Bicycle Council Minutes Oct. 2008

Delaware Bicycle Council
October 1, 2008
DelDOT Administration Building

Meeting Minutes

Members Present:
Fred Breukelman, Dept. of Public Health Representative
Walt Bryan, Sussex County Representative
Tom Felice, DelDOT Representative
Thomas Hartley, Kent County Representative
Mike Krumrine, DNREC Representative
Amy Wilburn, Chair & At- Large Representative
Terry Berl, Smyrna Parks & Recreation Council
DelDOT Support Staff Present
Fritz Schranck, Deputy Attorney General, DelDOT
Jennifer Baldwin, Pedestrian Coordinator
Kari Glanden, Administrative Assistant

Members Absent:
Don Carbaugh, New Castle County Representative
Sgt. George Heberling, DE State Police Representative
Judith Jeffers, At-Large Representative
Lisa Moore, Office of Highway Safety
Doug Mills, New Castle County Representative
John Ray, Dept. of Education
Robert Witsil, At-Large Representative
Anthony Aglio, Bike Coordinator, DelDOT
Lisa Lasher, Delaware Greenways
Amy Hughes, NMSS- Delaware Chapter

The meeting was called to order at 5:05 pm

I. Welcome and Introductions:
All members introduced themselves and Amy Wilburn and Jennifer
Baldwin welcomed everyone to the meeting.
II. Old Business

Indian River Inlet Bridge:
Jennifer Baldwin passed around the new plan for the members to review. She commented that there would be 10 foot shoulders on both sides along with a 12 foot pedestrian path with barriers.

Fritz Schranck informed the members that the timeframe for the completion is mid 2011. He stated that the artist rendering and more details could be could be located online. There are also open railing designs for cyclists and pedestrians to have an unobstructed view of the ocean/in-let. Heavy construction is slated to start next year.

There will also be project tours available next year.

Newsletter:
Jennifer Baldwin has articles for the current newsletter; it will be up for review by the end of next week. The next newsletter is in December, please start working on articles and get them submitted.

East Coast Greenways:
Jennifer Baldwin met with East Coast Greenways and hashed out the new Rt. 9 through New Castle to Rt. 72, interim route until everything gets placed. Next on the agenda is a greenway guide combined with Pennsylvania’s guide and combine a Delaware section. Signage is also and issue that needs to be addressed.

III. NEW BUSINESS

Wilmington Bike Plan:
Amy Wilburn is looking for comments on the plan. Amy is looking for comments on the facilities etc. She will be meeting with WILMAPCO on November 13th to go over the plan. She would like to have the Council push to help fund this plan.

Jennifer Baldwin added that cyclists are able to map out their route on the web-site. Amy Wilburn suggested the comments can be made on the web-site and cyclist can also note if they have a good route they follow.

The Fun Bunch:
The Fun Department could not make this meeting they have been moved to the December agenda.

Georgetown to Lewes Rail – Trail:
Walt Bryan asked the status of this project since the plan has been done and nothing came of the findings.

Jennifer Baldwin advised the Council that another study was being done. There is currently in field economic and environmental studies being done. There are also plans of a steering committee being formed and hope to have another meeting on this issue before the end of the year.

Mike Krumrine informed the Council of Delaware Parks working the Clayton/Easton Trail. There are insurance issues with Delaware and Maryland that are currently holding up progress on this project.

Jennifer Baldwin stated that signage is being worked on for the Junction Breakwater trail at the crossings and other areas.

Mike Krumrine stated that State Parks is working on mileage markers for Junction Breakwater Trail. The signs should be in place within the next few weeks.

Statewide Bicycle Summit:
Amy Wilburn suggested “How communities become more bikeable?” as the theme for the summit. She requested the council need to find finding resources for political support, funding and if the different bike communities coming together to support the summit more could be accomplished. She would like to see more education in the local police forces, and schools in the driver education programs. There will be a survey coming out to local clubs, groups and organizations about what issues, ideas, and goals are priority. This will allow the Council to figure out what direction to go in with the summit. She also asked the Council if they all agree that Delaware Bicycle Council should be the Host of the summit. All agreed. She also suggested local bicycle shops, insurance agencies, banks and pharmaceutical companies be approached as sponsors of the summit.

THE MEETING ADJORNED AT 7:05 p.m.

Bike Delaware Meeting Tomorrow January 5th

Bike Delaware General Meeting (open to public)
WILMAPCO conference room,
850 S Library Ave, Suite 100 Newark, DE
(Call 302-420-2198 for directions)
Phone Conference: (712) 432-0800, Code: 1029246#
Monday, January 5, 2009 6-7 PM

Agenda:

6 PM—Call to Order

1) 6:00 Introductions

2) 6:05 Chairman’s Report—Frank Warnock

3) 6:25 WILMAPCO update—Heather Dunigan

4) 6:30 DBC update—Maria Wilburn (on behalf of Amy Wilburn)

5) 6:35 other Bike Summit updates

6) 6:40 UBP update—Brian Windle

7) 6:45 National Bike Summit reminder & call for representatives

8) 6:50 old business/new business

7 PM—Adjourn