EVERY MILE MATTERS

Support Delaware Greenways during our Miles of Impact Campaign, taking place this month through the new year. Your contribution will help fuel our efforts on projects across the State that WILL be impactful.

Help us move these projects, and others like them, forward!

• Governor Printz Corridor Study
• Augustine Cut-Off Bicycle/Pedestrian Network Improvements
• Newport River Trail
• Newport to Newark Connection
• Georgetown - Lewes Trail: Final Phase
• Rocky Run Underpass
• Markell Trail Wayfinding/Info Kiosk
• Bicycle Helmet Giveaway
• Northern Delaware Greenway Trail Wayfinding
• First State Crossing - Old Phoenix Steel Site
• Milton Shared Use Path - Safe School Access

Augustine Cut-Off Bicycle/Pedestrian Network

Earlier this month, led by Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO), the Augustine Cut Off (ACO) Phase 2 Advisory Committee met for the first time to discuss the corridor. Prior to meeting, Delaware Greenways staff and fellow committee members walked the corridor to experience firsthand the concerns that residents have brought to our attention.

This WILMAPCO study is more comprehensive than the DelDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Improvements (Phase 1) study, in that traffic calming and multi-modal improvements are being explored.

The Phase 2 study will also consider improvements where Phase 1 facilities are proposed (from Lovering Avenue to Cantera Road) and beyond to Edgewood Drive. Delaware Greenways, along with our fellow advisory committee members, will continue to provide insights on the corridor in the way of questions and feedback, and assist the project team in creating a successful public involvement process. To read more on both ACO Phases, and sign-up for updates, visit: http://www.wilmapco.org/augustinecutoff/

Delaware Distance Classic Partnership

2024 brought us a wonderful partnership with the Delaware Distance Classic and the Pike Creek Valley Running Club (PCVRC). We are grateful to have been selected as the 2024 Charity Partner for this popular 15K (& 5K) race, held on the Wilmington Riverfront and Jack Markell Trail in October.

Last week, the club presented their check from race proceeds and participant donations, to us at their holiday party. We are grateful for the Club's generosity, and its commitment to support running communities. Shown in photo above: PCVC President Ray Christensen, Vice President Adam Shilling, DG Board Member Matt Saponaro, DDC Race Director Alison McCann, DG Staff Member Terri Jones, and PCVRC Events Coordinator Mike Janis.

If you’re a runner, PCVRC is a fantastic organization to be involved in. Their mission is to “encourage the sport of running as a fun and healthy activity for people of all ages and all backgrounds.” Find out more about the Club, DDC race and group runs/walks, HERE.

Delaware is rich in scenic, historic, and cultural resources, and its byways serve as pathways to the stories of our nation and state. Volunteers and staff from Delaware Greenways, alongside DelDOT’s Byway team, are conducting annual drive tours to evaluate these important corridors.

The team has already completed tours of the Historic Lewes Byway and a portion of the Delaware Bayshore Byway. In January, they will finish assessing the Bayshore Byway and tour the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway. These drive-throughs enable DelDOT’s Byways Coordinator and Delaware Greenways representatives to assess corridor conditions that require attention under DelDOT’s purview. Areas of focus include Pedestrian and bicycle safety, Visitor amenities, Changes to intrinsic resources, Roadway hazards, Condition of byway and highway signs, Illegal advertisements, Compliance with Outdoor Advertising regulations.

Bancroft Pedestrian Bridge Project Underway

An important trail connection in Alapocas Run State Park is on its way to being reopened with the demolition phase of the Bancroft Bridge underway. In serving on the project’s Steering Committee, Delaware Greenways has advised on the demo, construction and design phases for the bridge replacement. If the project goes as planned, the new bridge will open this spring!

This Northern Delaware Greenway Trail connector has been closed since September 2021 after being severely damaged by the unprecedented flooding of the Brandywine, due to the effects of Hurricane Ida. If the project runs as planned, the new bridge will open in April 2025. Stay tuned… You can read details of the replacement process, including studies and timeline, on our website.

Happy Holidays!

All of us at Delaware Greenways are wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season, full of laughter and love.

We hope you find time to relax and play in your favorite outdoor spaces. Remember during the stress-filled moments, and family over-load, there's a trail waiting for you to unwind on. Take a minute to exhale! Discover your path.

Cheers to 2025! Here's to good health, with more miles underfoot! We're rooting for you!

Delaware Greenways