Ceremony Marks Completion Of Smyrna Streetscape Improvements Project

Smyrna -- The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the historic community of Smyrna came together today to celebrate the completion of much-needed transportation enhancements along South Main Street from the four corners intersection with Commerce Street to the intersection of South Street. The event was held street side at the Smyrna School Administration Building on South Main Street with residents and local officials on hand.

Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks said, "DelDOT has enjoyed working with the Town of Smyrna businesses and residents. These improvements will result in increased pedestrian safety and provide an attractive look to the downtown area."

Smyrna Mayor Patricia Stombaugh said, "On behalf of council, I would like to thank DelDOT for helping to make this project possible for our town. With the project complete, we are starting to see new business and present businesses expand along the revitalized block of Main Street. It is important we take care of what we already have, therefore, upgrading the utilities and improving the appearance of our town is an major part of re-investing back in our community."

The project was initiated by the Town of Smyrna who worked in partnership with DelDOT. DelDOT agreed with the community that improvements were needed to keep the vital downtown area connected with the rest of the community. The project was funded through DelDOT's Transportation Enhancement Program (T.E. Program), which allows for the development and implementation of a variety of non-traditional projects that highlight cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the transportation system.

Enhancement improvements to South Main Street from Commerce to South Street included brick sidewalks and curb ramps, installation of granite curbs, parking modifications, street signs, decorative lighting, site amenities, and landscaping.

Sam's Construction Company, a Wilmington-based firm, started this project in May 2009. The total cost of the streetscape project was $1.2 million with $992,726 funded by the Federal Highway Administration through the Transportation Enhancement program. As with other federal-aid funding, the Transportation Enhancements program is a reimbursement program, not a grant program.