Sussex County is taking steps to improve how development projects are coordinated with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), following a key meeting in early March that highlighted the need for stronger collaboration.
A Call for Better Planning
During a three-hour presentation on March 4th, DelDOT Secretary Shanté Hastings and her team met with Sussex County Council and the county’s Planning & Zoning Commission.
One major issue raised was the inconsistent phasing of road improvements required for new developments—especially those funded by developers within Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs).
TIDs are designated areas where the state plans road upgrades to support anticipated residential and commercial growth.
These improvements are funded by developers and are currently in place in Milford and Lewes, with new districts being developed in Milton and Roxana.
Ideas on the Table
Councilman John Rieley proposed expanding TID boundaries to include nearby developments that benefit from road upgrades without contributing financially.
He also floated the idea of a countywide district, though Hastings cautioned that broader districts would be harder to manage.
Key takeaways from the meeting included:
- Improved coordination on the timing of road improvements
- Incorporating infrastructure requirements into project approvals
- Continued discussion between county and state officials on expanding or modifying TIDs
Examples and Concerns
Some large-scale developments require road improvements to be phased in based on the number of building permits issued.
For instance, construction at the Vineyards project near Lewes is paused until road widening and a traffic light installation are complete.
County officials also questioned whether Sussex is getting its fair share of state transportation funding.
In 2023, Sussex received 33% of statewide transportation funds, while northern Delaware’s New Castle County received close to half of the state transportation budget .
Rieley pointed out that Sussex County has growing needs and an extensive road network that needs to continue being funded well.
Looking Ahead
DelDOT encouraged the county to propose infrastructure projects and collaborate more closely on drainage and stormwater management.
Sussex officials stressed the need for joint efforts, especially around Route 9—one of the county’s most congested areas.
The meeting closed with both sides agreeing to work more closely on development planning, phasing of roadwork, and long-term infrastructure solutions.
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Source: Cape Gazette