Delaware Avenue Separated Bike Lanes

Delaware Avenue is a two-lane roadway that supports one-way traffic through the center of the University of Delaware and downtown Newark. The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) initially engaged JMT to complete a study to determine the feasibility of installing a separated bicycle facility that would facilitate two-way bicycle traffic. The successful study led to design of the bike lanes on Delaware Avenue.

Our staff began by analyzing current corridor conditions to develop safe, efficient two-way bicycle facility alternatives. The feasibility study evaluated one-way and two-way bicycle facilities, as well as the location of the facility within the roadway, various buffer treatments, and numerous signal design options. To evaluate user comfort of the bikeway, a temporary installation of the facility was set up along a portion of Delaware Avenue. The public was invited to test the facility and provide input into its design.

Upon successful completion of the planning phase, JMT developed concept and final design plans to carry the project into construction, incorporating agency and public feedback. The project included floating bus islands, curb extensions, one-way and two-way separated bike lanes, landscaping, and other streetscaping improvements. To enhance visibility and safety, our team worked with DelDOT to obtain approval from the Federal Highway Administration to experiment with an innovative, flashing yellow permissive phase bike signal design.