Project Study Area

The Delaware Bayshore Byway spans approximately 100 miles through Delaware’s central and southern coastal zone, tracing tidal shores, expansive salt marshes, and working farmland. The corridor is anchored by 19 Discovery Zones, each highlighting unique natural, cultural, and recreational assets that collectively showcase the Bayshore’s environmental significance and heritage character.

What is a Scenic and Historic Byway?

"A byway is a transportation route which is adjacent to or travels through an area that has a particular intrinsic scenic, historic, natural, cultural, recreational or archeological qualities. It is a road corridor that offers an alternative travel to our major highways, while telling a story about Delaware's heritage, recreational activities or beauty." (DelDOT)

What is a Discovery Zone?

A Discovery Zone along the Delaware Bayshore Byway is a designated area that highlights a unique combination of natural, cultural, historic, or recreational features within the byway corridor. These zones serve as focal points for interpretation and visitor engagement, offering travelers an opportunity to “discover” the distinctive character and significance of different parts of the Bayshore region.

Project Contact Information: 

Kelly Valencik, AICP, Planning Supervisor 

DelDOT Byway Program Coordinator 

DBBMP@PublicInput.com 

complete
complete
Summer 2025

Existing Conditions Documentation

complete
complete
Fall 2025

  • Community Visioning and Needs Assessment 
  • Public Outreach 

live
live
Winter 2025 / Spring 2026

  • Bicycle/Pedestrian, Waterways/Paddling, and Marketing Plan Development
  • Stakeholder Outreach 

planned
planned
Summer / Fall 2026

  • Recommendations Development
  • Public Outreach
  • Finalize Bicycle/Pedestrian, Waterways/Paddling, and Marketing Plan 

planned
planned
Fall / Winter 2026

 Final Master Plan Adoption