DelDOT Accepting Brick Orders For The Delaware Highway Memorial Garden

Smyrna -- As the holidays draw near, many people begin to think of friends or family that have been lost in traffic fatalities. They seek ways to celebrate those lives during this joyous season. The Delaware Highway Memorial Garden provides an appropriate way to do just that.

The garden, which is located on the grounds of the Smyrna Rest Area, was dedicated in 2007, and contains over 600 engraved bricks. Each one representing a precious life lost on a Delaware roadway. To honor the memories of all those who have perished on our roadways, DelDOT wants to again encourage the public to order a personalized brick in memory of a loved one. Orders are accepted on a year-round basis, however, bricks ordered between November 22 and December 22, 2010 will be ordered before the end of the year. Placement in the garden is expected to occur in early 2011.

There is no cost for the brick, and the death must have occurred on a Delaware roadway. Brick orders are verified through the Delaware State Police and/or the Office of Vital Statistics. Only one personalized brick per deceased individual is permitted.

One of the goals of the Memorial Garden is to educate the public that roadside memorials are illegal under Delaware's Clear Zone Safety Law, and at times pose a safety hazard to motorists. By ordering an engraved brick, the garden provides a personal, safe, and maintenance-free way to remember a loved one.

The garden provides families of lost loved ones the opportunity to enjoy the peacefulness of the garden as they remember their lives together and move forward toward healing.

In addition, DelDOT notes that the garden serves as a daily reminder to everyone to drive safely. The Memorial Garden is just one of the ways DelDOT is increasing awareness and education in an effort to keep Delaware motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists safe.

DelDOT invites the public to visit the 11,000 square foot garden located on the grounds of the Smyrna Rest Area at 5500 DuPont Highway in Smyrna, Delaware. The garden contains a creative blend of native trees, shrubs and flowering plants. A concrete pathway outlined with personalized bricks gives the garden significant meaning and character. Also benches are placed throughout the garden for visitors' use. The garden is open 365 days a year.

For those interested in ordering a free brick, please contact DelDOT Public Relations at 302-760-2080 or (in-state) 800-652-5600 or go online to www.deldot.gov and click on Community Programs and Services and then Delaware Highway Memorial Garden.