A Groundbreaking Shift in Transportation Priorities
In a historic move, the state of Delaware has become the first in the nation to pass comprehensive legislation aimed at addressing the scourge of “stroads” – those dangerous hybrid corridors that combine the high speeds of highways with the frequent access points of urban streets. The newly enacted “Everyone Gets Home Act” empowers the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to take bold steps in transforming these deadly thoroughfares, prioritizing the safety and convenience of all road users, not just those behind the wheel.
The passage of this landmark legislation marks a significant shift in Delaware’s transportation landscape, one that promises to have far-reaching implications for the state’s residents, businesses, and visitors alike. By providing DelDOT with the necessary tools and authority to reimagine these problematic stroads, the law sets the stage for a more balanced, equitable, and sustainable transportation system that caters to the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users, in addition to motorists.
Tackling the Stroad Conundrum
The term “stroad” may be unfamiliar to many, but its impact on communities across Delaware has been all too familiar. These hybrid corridors, which blend the characteristics of both streets and roads, have long been a source of frustration and danger for residents. Featuring high-speed traffic, numerous driveways, and a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, stroads have become hotspots for crashes, injuries, and fatalities, particularly among the most vulnerable road users.
The Everyone Gets Home Act takes a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue, empowering DelDOT to employ a wide range of “Safe Systems” strategies to transform these problematic corridors. This includes the ability to:
Consolidate and Close Driveways
One of the key provisions of the law is the clarification of DelDOT’s authority to acquire property rights in order to create new interconnections between commercial properties on stroads. This allows the agency to consolidate and close driveways, reducing the number of access points and improving the flow of traffic.
Implement Traffic-Calming Measures
The Act also grants DelDOT the explicit authority to use a variety of traffic-calming countermeasures, such as narrowing travel lanes, installing raised medians, and introducing speed humps and roundabouts. These measures are designed to reduce vehicle speeds, creating a safer environment for all road users.
Designate Low-Speed and High-Speed Corridors
To ensure a more strategic approach, the law requires DelDOT to identify and designate certain corridors as “low-speed streets,” where traffic-calming investments will be prioritized. Conversely, the agency will also be tasked with identifying “high-speed roads,” where faster-moving traffic can be safely accommodated.
Address Rural Road Departures
In addition to the stroad-focused provisions, the Everyone Gets Home Act also addresses another pressing safety concern in Delaware: single-vehicle roadway departures, particularly in rural areas. The law empowers DelDOT to utilize a range of countermeasures, including lane narrowing, edge line striping, and the installation of physical barriers, to mitigate these types of crashes.
A Collaborative Effort
The passage of the Everyone Gets Home Act was the result of a collaborative effort between lawmakers, transportation advocates, and various stakeholders. Representative Ed Osienski and Senator Stephanie Hansen were the prime sponsors of the legislation, working tirelessly to navigate the complex negotiations and secure unanimous support from both the Delaware Senate and House of Representatives.
Bike Delaware, a prominent cycling advocacy group, played a crucial role in elevating the stroad issue and championing the need for legislative action. Their ongoing “Everyone Gets Home” campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness and building the momentum that ultimately led to this historic moment.
A Safer, More Accessible Future
The enactment of the Everyone Gets Home Act represents a significant step forward in Delaware’s quest to address its growing road safety crisis. By empowering DelDOT to take decisive action on stroads and other dangerous corridors, the state is poised to save lives, reduce injuries, and create a more equitable and accessible transportation system for all.
As DelDOT begins to implement the provisions of the new law, residents and visitors alike can expect to see tangible changes on the ground. Stroads will be transformed, with fewer access points, lower speeds, and enhanced infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users. The state’s rural roads will also see safety improvements, as the agency works to mitigate the risks of single-vehicle departures.
While the journey towards a truly sustainable and safe transportation future may be a long one, the passage of the Everyone Gets Home Act marks a crucial milestone. By prioritizing the well-being of all road users, Delaware has set an example for other states to follow, paving the way for a more livable, connected, and equitable transportation landscape nationwide.
Conclusion
The landmark “Everyone Gets Home Act” in Delaware represents a groundbreaking shift in transportation priorities, empowering the state to tackle the dangerous and ubiquitous problem of “stroads.” By providing DelDOT with the necessary tools and authority to reimagine these hybrid corridors, the law sets the stage for a safer, more accessible, and more sustainable transportation system that caters to the needs of all road users.
As Delaware embarks on this transformative journey, the state’s residents, businesses, and visitors can look forward to a future where the streets and roads work in harmony, promoting active mobility, public transit, and the overall well-being of the community. The passage of this historic legislation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to create a more livable, equitable, and resilient transportation landscape, one that truly puts people first.
To stay up-to-date on the progress and implementation of the Everyone Gets Home Act, be sure to visit ITFix.org.uk for the latest news and insights from our team of seasoned IT professionals. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation, can safely and conveniently reach their destinations.
