About the Byway

Delaware Greenways (DGI ) leads and facilitates the public consensus processes that allow communities in Delaware to plan for change, and to carry out projects that will help them ensure the integrity and best use of their community resources in the future (in this case roads, and elsewhere green spaces). In the case of Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway, after approval of the Nomination Document was granted in 2008, the Advisory Committee (composed of local residents, business persons and other stakeholders) will next submit a funds application to DelDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the next step, creation of a Corridor Management Plan.

DGI helps communities develop a vision and goals for their roads, and folds specific, strategies for potential improvements into a document that can be followed up to ten years into the future.

Upon acceptance of the plan, funding by FHWA/DelDOT, and naming of the byway as a National Byway (if so desired by the community), a management committee or other entity is formed. It is responsible to the residents, stakeholders and surrounding communities for implementation and review of the progress of all the agreed-on strategies, for a minimum of five years, possibly ten. More projects may develop over the years.

Highlights Of The Byway

"Come by land, by sea - by boat, or auto or bicycle - to the Gateways of Lewes! These six roads together form a continuous network that captures the remarkable 378-year history of the greater Lewes area. Each road with its adjacent landscapes represents land and sea gateways to Lewes that evolved during different periods of the area's history. Historically and collectively they have played a vital role in the town's development and reflect its cultural evolution since 1631. The stunning views found along the designated route illustrate Lewes' natural beauty, maritime origins and rich history."

The "Gateways from the Land" - Kings Highway, Savannah Rd and New Rd. - run generally east-west, perpendicular to the coast, and are of historic significance. They serve (and have served) as gateways into Lewes and to the sea from the interior and points north and south within Delaware. Farmers moving grain, beef and chicken, and fishermen moving fish, crab and mussels used the docks and ships of Lewes.

The "Gateways from the Sea" run approximately north/south, parallel to the coast, and include Pilottown Rd., Gills Neck Rd., and Cape Henlopen Drive. They highlight the scenic views and natural beauty along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the beach, extending to the salt marsh along the Lewes coastline. As old cart roads, they connect original landing places with routes to the interior.

The character of the roads recapitulates the cultural evolution of the area as travelers follow it from miles of beautifully preserved beaches, nature trails, and bird sanctuaries, through a settled historic district of residents and small merchants occupying buildings of nationally-recognized architecture, and arrive at working farms further inland, supporting this and other coastal towns.

Places to visit, among many, include: