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County: Spans all 3
Length: 100 miles
Drive time: Approx. 2 hours
The Delaware Bayshore Byway, designated a National Scenic Byway in February 2021, has many individuals and communities, not-for-profit groups, and government entities at the local, state and federal levels that, working together, are responsible for its future.
Byway leadership has been consistent in the strategic direction initially developed in 2013. This direction incorporates a vision, mission, goals, and specific strategies. It was instrumental in creating the extension of the Byway and serves as the foundation for the 2020 Corridor Management Plan (CMP). All of the relevant documents are available below for download and review.
Direct responsibility for the Byway lies with the Byway Management Team. This team started as the Project Advisory Committee with the responsibility for developing the 2013 Corridor Management Plan. Many of the original stakeholders remain heavily involved, and membership in the Management Team evolves as the needs grow and change.
The Management Team coordinates directly with the Byway Management Committees of the Historic Lewes Byway, and the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.
Facilitated by Delaware Greenways, the Byway Management Team (BMT) includes representation from each Discovery Zone, leaders of key conservation, recreation, tourism not-for-profit organizations, state and local tourism offices and bureaus, and state agencies including DelDOT and DNREC.
Delaware Bayshore Byway designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2021, traverses a 157-mile corridor of wildlands, bucolic farmlands, and quaint river towns with coastal waterways everywhere, paralleling 100 miles of the Delaware River and Bay and passing through 19 Discovery Zones representing Delaware’s quieter, wilder side.
As an outstanding scenic motorized vehicle drive, it also offers many non-motorized travel and recreational options (pedestrian/bicycle/non-motorized watercraft) that are far lesser-known resulting from the lack of marketing information and common travel amenities like wayfinding and restrooms, leaving only experienced outdoors/sportspersons to take advantage of these diverse activity options.
First objective of the grant is to complete a Master Plan with two parts that will augment the existing Corridor Management Plan. (1) a Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan and (2) a Waterways/Paddling Plan, where both will inventory current and future non-motorized options, develop management strategies and recommendations, and provide a marketing package to effectively promote these options. Our second objective will enhance visitor amenities (restrooms and wayfinding) at two Byway communities: the Town of Bowers and the City of Milford
Read the FHWA Grant Awards List and the Press Release
Delaware Bayshore Byway Signage has been installed over the length of the corridor. Using GIS and route information the team worked with DelDOT Traffic and Planning and DNREC Fish and Wildlife to sign the byway route with Delaware Bayshore Byway Branding logo. Further steps include adding America’s Byway logos in conjunction with the signs that were installed over the past few years.
Additionally, the Delaware Bayshore Byway has released it standalone website with itineraries, attractions, destinations, and other important information. This website continues to support the Byway, marketing to travelers and users of the Bayshore Byway. There are many resources available that can be found at delawarebayshorebyway.org
In February 2021, the Delaware Bayshore Byway received National Scenic Byway Designation from the Federal Highway Administration. The Byway is now part of the America’s Byway program.
“America’s Byways®” is the umbrella term we use for the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. They include the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads (FHWA).”
This nationally recognized designation enhances travel tourism, sound economic development, education and preservation, and offers the opportunity for enhancement projects with Byway stakeholders and their specific communities.
Byway agencies and organizations are encouraged to apply for Transportation Alternative Program (TAP). Project submissions will be evaluated by DelDOT through project prioritization process with corresponding agencies. For more information please visit the DelDOT TAP Program Application HERE.
Byway agencies and organizations are encouraged to apply for either one or both of the programs below. Project submissions will be evaluated by DelDOT (and WILMAPCO in New Castle County) through project prioritization process with corresponding agencies. For more information please visit the DelDOT TAP Program Application is here – https://deldot.gov/Programs/tap/index.shtml?dc=apply
TAP funds can assist with designing and constructing projects that create bicycle and pedestrian facilities, restore historic transportation buildings, mitigate highway runoff, and provide other enhancements. Projects must be open to the public and serve a transportation purpose, among other requirements.
Eligible sponsors include:
All potential TAP projects require a sponsor to be responsible for 20% of the project costs in design and construction.
About Delaware Greenways:
We envision a State where trails, pathways and scenic corridors connect everyone to where they want to go, empowering them to live healthier lives as they discover and enjoy the outdoors.