Slowing down for safety: Coastal Highway gets a speed makeover

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. -New speed limit signs are up along Delaware’s Coastal Highway, surprising some drivers and prompting mixed reactions from locals.

The updated limits stretch from just south of Dewey Beach all the way to the Maryland state line, where speed limits that were once 55 mph in many areas are now reduced to 50 mph or even lower. 

"I'm looking at the speed limit today and thought, 'I thought it used to be 55,'" said Scott Albrecht, a Bethany Beach local. DelDOT says the changes are in response to concerns of speeding and an increase in crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists.

Liz McNeece, has been on the coast for years and says the changes are necessary to reduce the number of tragic accidents on the highway.

"The devastating accidents that happen here constantly," McNeece said. "They can be avoided if everyone did adhere to the speed limit."

The Coalition for a Safer North Bethany, a group formed in 2019 to address safety concerns on Coastal Highway, praised the new speed limits and other measures, acknowledging the efforts of DelDOT and local officials.

"Thank you to all who supported our efforts and for these steps in the right direction towards enhancing safety for not only bikers and pedestrians but for all drivers of Route One in North Bethany," the Coalition said in a statement. 

The Coalition worked closely with DelDOT, the engineers at Whitman, Requardt, and local politicians like Rep. Ron Gray, Senator Gerald Hocker, and Sussex County Councilman Doug Hudson to bring attention to these concerns.

The stretch of Coastal Highway affected by the changes is a busy corridor for beachgoers, especially during the summer months. Officials hope the reduced speeds will lead to safer travel conditions for everyone.