The Dover Regular Council Meeting held on January 13, 2025, addressed several pressing issues regarding traffic management and urban development in the city. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the need for a traffic light at a specific location to facilitate smoother access for residents exiting new developments. Concerns were raised about traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours between 2 PM and 6 PM on McKee Road, which leads into Salisbury.

Council members expressed their views on the impact of new developments on existing traffic patterns. One member noted that while there is significant traffic on McKee Road, the situation is less severe on College Road. However, the difficulty of making left turns out of certain developments, such as Emerald Point, was highlighted as a major concern. The member emphasized the importance of expanding local healthcare facilities to meet community needs, particularly for physical therapy services.

Another council member, Dr. Sudler, raised questions about the city’s comprehensive planning efforts, particularly in relation to the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). Dr. Sudler pointed out that it has been five years since improvements to College Road were first proposed, and expressed frustration over the slow progress. The member urged the council to communicate more effectively with constituents about ongoing transportation projects to alleviate public concerns regarding traffic congestion.

Nelson Williams, another council member, responded by clarifying that both College Road and McKee Road are state-maintained, meaning that DelDOT oversees their design and access points. He explained that any future development would require entrance plan reviews by DelDOT, which may include necessary off-site improvements. Williams also mentioned that transportation project planning is a lengthy process, but assured that the city is actively working on prioritizing transportation projects, including those affecting College Road.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions on transportation priorities in upcoming council meetings, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to urban development and traffic management in Dover.