TAP Program – Preliminary Plans Now Available
Date Posted: Friday, September 4th, 2026An Update on Proposed Transportation Improvements in Townsend
The Town of Townsend is pleased to share the preliminary plans for the Town’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) project, which were recently presented and discussed during the September 2, 2026, Townsend Town Council meeting.
The project is being advanced through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and is intended to improve pedestrian connectivity, accessibility, and safety within the Town. The preliminary plans provide residents and property owners with an early look at the improvements being proposed.
What is Included in the Preliminary Plans?
The current preliminary layout depicts several proposed improvements, including:
- New and/or improved sidewalk connections
- Curb ramp improvements to enhance accessibility
- Pedestrian improvements along portions of the project area
- Proposed adjustments and considerations involving utility poles near the intersection of South Street and Main Street
- Improvements designed with pedestrian safety and accessibility in mind
The plans are intended to provide a visual representation of the proposed project and allow the Town and community to better understand the potential improvements.
Important: These Are Preliminary Plans
The plans being shared at this time are preliminary and remain subject to review, coordination, and potential revisions as the project moves forward.
As the design process continues, the Town will need to coordinate directly with property owners who may be affected by proposed sidewalk, curb ramp, or other improvements adjacent to their properties. Additional engineering, utility coordination, permitting, and design review will also be necessary before construction can begin.
Where Does the Project Stand?
The preliminary plan and preliminary cost estimate have been completed. The project must proceed through six levels of plan review and approval before final authorization is received for the project to be advertised for construction.
The project milestones are:
- Survey Plan – Completed
- Preliminary Plan – Completed
- Semi-Final Plan Updates
- Final Right-of-Way Plan Approval
- Final Construction Plan Approval
- PS&E Approval – Final Plans, Specifications & Estimate
DelDOT has completed the survey and preliminary plan phases. The next steps will involve continued engineering, plan revisions, right-of-way coordination, and the required state and federal reviews.
Property Owner & Easement Coordination
As part of the preliminary design, there are areas within the project limits where easements may be necessary to construct the proposed improvements.
DelDOT will work with the Town and affected property owners as the project progresses to identify and obtain any necessary easements.
The Town understands that proposed sidewalk and curb ramp improvements may directly affect individual properties and is committed to keeping affected property owners informed as the design develops.
Project Timeline
The project remains in the planning and design process.
DelDOT currently anticipates reaching the final PS&E approval milestone in Fall 2027. Once that milestone is reached and the necessary federal funding is available, the project can proceed toward advertisement for construction.
Following the required advertisement, bidding, award, and contracting processes, construction would then be scheduled.
Because the project must complete multiple levels of review and approval, the construction schedule will become clearer as the project advances through these milestones.
Why Share the Preliminary Plans Now?
The Town believes it is important for residents, property owners, and the community to have an opportunity to understand the project while it is still progressing through the design and review process.
Sharing the preliminary plans allows the community to see the proposed improvements and provides greater transparency regarding the project’s current status, anticipated timeline, and funding.
The plans being shared are preliminary and are not final construction plans. Additional engineering, review, utility coordination, right-of-way work, easement acquisition, and state and federal approvals are still required before construction can begin.
The Town will continue to provide updates as the project progresses through the remaining review milestones and additional information becomes available.
View the Preliminary Plans
Residents are encouraged to review the preliminary plans below to see the proposed improvements throughout the project area.
Townsend SRTS – Revised Concepts
The Town appreciates the community’s continued interest and support as we work with DelDOT and our project partners to advance this important pedestrian safety and accessibility project.
