Following Five Points

March 2025

Your Update to the Five Points Transportation Study

Project News

Upcoming Working Group Meeting

Monday, April 28, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Hybrid Meeting – Cape Henlopen High School Library and via Teams

The next meeting of the Five Points Transportation Study Working Group will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Similar to previous Working Group meetings, this will be a hybrid meeting. Please note: we will be using Microsoft Teams instead of Zoom for this meeting.

The Project Team will provide an update on the status of the Five Points Transportation Study Implementation Plan. Other discussion topics may include*:

• Demographics and Aging in Delaware

• Henlopen Transportation Improvement District (TID) Updates

• Transportation Demand Modeling and Corridor Studies

• 2024 Annual Report

**Disclaimer: Discussion topics are subject to change until final publication on the DelDOT Public Meeting Calendar

View the agenda and get Microsoft Teams access information on the project website.

We hope to see you on April 28!

Public Open House – Save the Date!

What: Five Points Transportation Study Public Open House

Where: Cape Henlopen High School Cafeteria

When: Spring 2025

Stay tuned for more information!

Area Project Updates

Active DelDOT Projects
In and Around Five Points

At the Working Group's request, DelDOT is providing a map of active projects in and around the Five Points area. Use the map to view any active project and/or visit the links below to view the websites for a selection of projects.

• Bridge 3-714 on S266 (New Road) over Canary Creek

• Removal of Bridge 3-928R, Lewes RR Swing Bridge over the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal

• Plantation Road Improvements, Robinsonville Road to US 9

• Plantation Road Improvements, SR 24 to US 9 - Phase 2

• Realignment of Old Orchard Road at Wescoats Corner

• SR 1 & SR 16 Grade Separated Intersection

• SR 1 at S264 & S258 Intersection Improvements

• SR 1 and Cave Neck Road Grade Separated Intersection

• SR 1, Minos Conaway Road Grade Separated Intersection

• SR 24, Mulberry Knoll to SR 1 SR 24, Love Creek to Mulberry Knoll Road

• Cave Neck Road, Hudson and Sweetbriar Roads Intersection Improvement

Please Attend - Newton Road Public Workshop

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Woodbridge High School Cafeteria – 14712 Woodbridge Road
4:00 p.m. to 6 :00 p.m.

Drop in anytime between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to learn about the Newton Road Corridor Study and to share your thoughts on preliminary recommendations. Presentation materials and a feedback form will be available on the project website during the week of the workshop. 

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention away from driving, making it dangerous. This can include:

1. Visual distractions – Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at a phone screen, reading, or checking a GPS.

2. Manual distractions – Taking your hands off the wheel, like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio.

3. Cognitive distractions – Taking your mind off driving, such as daydreaming, having a conversation, or thinking about something other than the task of driving.

Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents and fatalities because it reduces a driver's ability to respond quickly to changes in the road or traffic conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 3,308 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

Phone use while driving – particularly calling and texting – is one of the most common distractions. Texting is considered the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it combines visual, manual and cognitive distraction. When a person reads a text while driving, his or her eyes are off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is like driving the length of an entire football field while blindfolded.

In April 2025, the NHTSA will intensify efforts to combat distracted driving through its annual Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign. This initiative aims to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage safer road behaviors. A key component of NHTSA's 2025 campaign will be high visibility enforcement. From April 7 to 14, law enforcement agencies nationwide will increase patrols to enforce distracted driving laws. This period, known as "Put the Phone Away or Pay” serves as a reminder of the legal consequences—including fines—of texting and using mobile devices while driving.

NHTSA also advocates for practical measures to minimize distractions, such as:

• Silencing or turning off mobile devices before driving.

• Designating a passenger as the "designated texter" to handle communications.

• Utilizing "Do Not Disturb" features or placing phones out of reach to reduce temptation.

Teens are encouraged to speak up when they see a friend driving while distracted, and parents are encouraged to lead by example by never driving distracted.

Delaware's hands-free cell phone law has been in effect since 2011 and bans all drivers from using handheld smart phones, tablets, laptops, games or other portable computers while driving. Drivers are not allowed to read, write or send text messages, email or use the Internet, or talk without using a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers caught using a hand-held device will be fined $100 for their first offense. Subsequent offenses will be no less than $200 and no more than $300. Delaware's cell phone law can be found here under Title 21 § 4176C Electronic communication devices; penalties.

As part of the Arrive Alive DE Campaign, Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has developed an interactive webpage and other materials to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving. Participate in online activities and access educational materials on the OHS website.