Millsboro Delta Committee Meeting - July 30, 2026

The Delta Committee met with DelDOT representative Peter to discuss ongoing traffic concerns, including intersection safety, truck restrictions, and traffic calming measures. Key topics included the Route 24 and Delaware Avenue intersection, truck routing, and a proposed four-way stop at Sheep Pen Road.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resident Steve expressed concerns about the placement of 25-mph speed limit signs on Sheep Pen Road, noting multiple signs clustered within short distances (e.g., two signs 25 feet apart). He requested re-spacing rather than additional signs, emphasizing that the police traffic safety officer agreed with his assessment. The mayor acknowledged the issue but noted it is a lower priority compared to other safety concerns; the proposed four-way stop is expected to help calm traffic.

Discussion Items

Route 24 and Delaware Avenue Intersection

• The committee discussed options for improving the intersection, including an all-way stop or a traffic signal. DelDOT representative Peter explained that an all-way stop can reduce crashes across all categories (fatal, injury, angle) but may cause extended queues; a signal would require widening to add a right-turn lane on southbound Delaware Avenue and would take 2–3 fiscal years to program. The committee favored pursuing a four-way stop first, using a draft resolution already prepared, and will update crash data (from March 2026 to present) before sending the resolution to DelDOT. Peter noted that if the resolution includes updated crash data, he could quickly confirm it meets requirements.

Speed Limit on Radish Road West

• The committee discussed reducing the speed limit on Radish Road West (near Summerton Chase) from 50 mph to 35 mph to match Route 24. Peter confirmed that a resolution from the town within its jurisdiction would suffice; the town will draft a resolution.

Truck Traffic on Route 24 and Sheep Pen Road

• DelDOT is still analyzing data on truck patterns after the bypass opened, including on western corridors. Concerns were raised that some trucks use Godwin School Road to access Hard Scrabble Road instead of Sheep Pen Road, potentially creating safety issues at 50 mph. Lighting improvements at the Sheep Pen/Hard Scrabble intersection are anticipated through the BB development project; the town will evaluate if supplemental lighting is needed after BB's work is complete. The committee also noted that the Godwin School/Route 24 intersection will be modified by an adjacent development.

Downtown Truck Restrictions

• DelDOT presented a plan for a localized truck restriction in downtown Millsboro, based on axle count (typically restricting vehicles with more than 2 axles, allowing local deliveries). The restriction would require a town resolution and coordination with law enforcement on state code definitions of local service. Weight-based restrictions were discussed but are more complex without structural justification. The restriction area is confined between Route 113 and the bypass, with some signage on Route 30. DelDOT will fabricate signs and coordinate installation with the town.

Four-Way Stop at Sheep Pen Road and Claremont

• The town is waiting on answers from DelDOT regarding implementation. Peter noted that a signage plan could take 8–10 weeks if prepared by DelDOT, or less if the town provides a simple plan (e.g., dots on a map). Crosswalk striping and ADA-compliant tactile pads may be needed, which could require funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The committee indicated they would follow up on the required information.

Old Landing Road, State Street, Iron Branch Road Intersection (Merc Animal Health)

• A representative from Merc Animal Health described dangerous driver behavior where vehicles use the shoulder to bypass turning traffic at the main entrance (approximately 350 employees plus contractors). They requested cost-effective solutions such as flexible delineators to prevent shoulder use. Peter noted concerns about delineator maintenance and suggested that an all-way stop might be a long-term solution; he will review historical studies on the intersection (previously discussed 3–4 years ago) and follow up with the town and the company.

Weiss Intersection (Shopping Center Opposite Lowe's)

• The committee briefly discussed a potential four-way stop at an internal intersection within the shopping center, but Peter confirmed it is not a DelDOT roadway, so no DelDOT involvement is required.

Downtown Crosswalk Refresh

• The committee requested refreshing downtown crosswalks. Peter asked for photos of the crosswalks; his pavement markings group will inspect them and determine condition and next steps. He noted that new striping contracts have a long backlog.

Other Business

• The committee thanked DelDOT for providing traffic control assistance during the Millsboro 250 event, noting that the exercise demonstrated the feasibility of street closures for downtown events without major traffic disruption.

Key Outcomes

• The committee agreed to proceed with a draft resolution for a four-way stop at Route 24 and Delaware Avenue, pending updated crash data from March 2026 to present.
• A resolution will be drafted for a speed limit reduction on Radish Road West to 35 mph.
• The committee will follow up with DelDOT on truck restriction signage and enforcement coordination.
• DelDOT will review historical data and potential all-way stop for the Old Landing Road intersection and report back.
• The town will send crosswalk photos to DelDOT for evaluation.
• The four-way stop at Sheep Pen and Claremont awaits town response to DelDOT's information request.