Newark outlines safety improvements for Main Street

The City is moving forward with a range of proposed safety enhancements along Main Street. (Photo by FREEPIK) 

NEWARK-  The City is moving forward with a range of proposed safety enhancements along Main Street aimed at improving mobility and reducing traffic conflicts for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

In collaboration with the Newark Police Department, Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder Company, the University of Delaware, DelDOT, and a contracted transportation consultant, the city has released a detailed outline of potential improvements designed to address long-standing safety concerns in the downtown area. 

According to a public information sheet, the goal is to create a “coordinated path forward” that prioritizes all road users. Main Street has long served as a hub of commerce and student activity, but officials say increased vehicle congestion and pedestrian traffic have made safety improvements a growing necessity.

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The safety upgrades include over two dozen potential changes, starting with short-term fixes like better signage, speed feedback displays, and adjusted traffic signals to aid pedestrian safety. Other ideas include adding curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks, and restriping lanes to improve walkability and make space for bikes.

Long-term strategies focus on larger capital improvements, such as potential lane reconfiguration or conversion to two-way traffic, and a comprehensive streetscape redesign that balances transit needs with walkability.

City officials are encouraging public engagement and feedback on the proposal. Future phases of the project will involve public comment periods and further coordination with stakeholders. 

A timeline for implementation will be determined by feasibility studies, funding availability, and prioritization by the city and DelDOT.

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.