Coastal Delaware is evolving quickly, and local voice, Matt Lunden, shares big updates on the Living in Coastal Delaware YouTube channel each and every week all about the newest details coming out of Coastal Delaware.
Through his work, he provides insider knowledge about life, real estate, and growth across Delaware’s beach towns, including Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Milton, and Bethany Beach.
In one of his recent videos, Matt talked about some of the biggest developments expected in 2025, from infrastructure upgrades and broadband expansion to new commercial projects.
We’ve rounded up the main highlights from that video below:
36 Million Dollars Poured Into One of Sussex County's Dated Intersections
Coastal Delaware is entering one of its most transformative periods in decades, and it starts with the roads.
The Minos Conaway Road project, a nearly $36 million investment, is set to completely reshape traffic flow around the Lewes and Five Points areas.
This intersection, known as one of the county’s most dangerous, is getting a long-overdue overhaul that promises safer travel and fewer crashes.
Drivers will soon experience:
- Faster, more predictable commutes
- Reduced congestion through Lewis and Five Points
- Increased property values for nearby homeowners
Construction began in summer 2025 and is expected to finish by spring 2028.
The plan includes building a new road that runs under the Nassau Bridge, adding roundabouts on service roads, and creating east–west routes that parallel Route 1 for about a mile and a half.
These improvements will make travel smoother while minimizing disruption for current drivers.
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Delaware Can Become the First State with Universal Broadband
Delaware is on track to become the first state with universal broadband access.
A $17.4 million federal grant sparked nearly $90 million in private investment from Verizon and Comcast, bringing total investments to about $107 million.
By 2027, this project will connect over 5,000 homes and businesses, including:
- Around 3,000 in Sussex County
- Around 1,700 in Kent County
- Around 550 in New Castle County
For rural areas of Sussex County, this upgrade means reliable high-speed internet for remote workers, students, and local businesses.
Properties once overlooked due to poor connectivity are becoming much more appealing to buyers.
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The Blue Tech Boom: A New Hub for Ocean Innovation
Delaware’s coast is emerging as a powerhouse for blue technology, the intersection of ocean science, robotics, and sustainability.
The University of Delaware launched Project ABLE, a two-year, $1.3 million NOAA-funded initiative that positions the state as a hub for marine innovation.
The Blue Economy Tech Center in Lewes now serves as headquarters for projects in:
- Autonomous surface vessels
- Underwater robotics
- Offshore wind technology
- Environmental monitoring systems
These developments are expected to create high-paying, year-round jobs, attract skilled professionals, and support Delaware’s growing offshore wind industry.
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Atlantic Fields: Costco, Target, and a Retail Revolution
Perhaps the biggest buzz in Coastal Delaware is the proposed Atlantic Fields project, a $175 million commercial development that could bring Costco, Target, and Whole Foods to the region.
The over 70-acre site at Mulberry Knoll Road and Plantation Road would feature over 695,000 square feet of retail space across around 20 buildings.
Plans include:
- A Costco with a gas station
- Potential for major retailers like Target and Whole Foods
- Road upgrades and new roundabouts to handle projected traffic increases
While supporters highlight new jobs and shopping options, others raise concerns about traffic and environmental impact.
Coastal Delaware’s Future
To stay informed about these developments, follow our blog for updates on Sussex County and Delaware’s coastal growth.
And if you want a closer look from a local expert, subscribe to Matt Lunden’s Living in Coastal Delaware YouTube channel for videos on real estate trends, community highlights, and everything happening along the Delaware beaches!