Seaford OKs all-way stop at busy intersection

SEAFORD — An all-way stop is the Department of Transportation’s solution to improving traffic flow and safety at Virginia Avenue and Bridgeville Highway.

According to a department study conducted via JMT Consultants, the intersection experienced 18 crashes from Dec. 4, 2018, through Dec. 4, 2023.

Although some City Council members and Police Chief Marshall Craft said they feel a traffic signal is the ideal answer, DelDOT’s preference is an all-way stop.

“We have completed a draft study looking at intersection control and in short the intersection would operate acceptably if converted to all-way stop control,” stated Jonathan Derryberry, a traffic studies engineer with the department, in a letter to the city.

On Tuesday, council discussed the topic at length, opting to accept the all-way stop suggestion with a formal resolution, though there was some concern.

“I’m not crazy about four-way stops,” Councilman Mike Bradley said. “That is a heavier congested area of ​​Seaford. We have a tremendous amount of traffic there. I would much more entertain some thought about a traffic light there than I would a four-way stop. I really think it’s going to be a nightmare.”

Chief Craft agreed.

“I think I have voiced my opinion strongly,” he said. “I agree there has to be something there. If not a traffic light, I think we have to, at the very least, try the four-way stop, as long as they put flashing caution lights. Because I agree wholeheartedly with Councilman Bradley that (there) is not a lot of distance. There’s going to be traffic, and I’m concerned about backing up to Stein Highway, quite frankly, and people running that stop sign.”

Virginia Avenue is a city road, while Bridgeville Highway is maintained by the state. Plus, Virginia Avenue is utilized by buses from several nearby schools.

Chief Craft said an all-way stop is probably the best solution, at least for now.

“If that’s all we can get, I would say it is probably worth at least trying. However, I will probably be the first to be able to make a recommendation that (the all-way stop is) removed if we see the increase in crashes,” he said. “The data that they have is appropriate. I just think that the good intentions are going to cause unintended consequences 10 months out of the year.”

City manager Charles Anderson said he believes a traffic signal is on the Transportation Department’s radar.

“I think, as the chief has stated, it needs to meet their warrants and their analysis. Council has a few options here, should they desire,” he explained.

If council wants to follow the recommendation, Mr. Anderson continued, “the chief has committed to monitoring this, and if traffic increases, or other unintended consequences occur, then our conversations were that he be the first one to go back to DelDOT and say , ‘We now have these problems. We want to solve these problems.’”

Chief Craft added that the cost of a traffic signal could run about $250,000, while stop signs are only several hundred dollars.

Meantime, Vice Mayor Dan Henderson said it seems the state is taking “graduated steps.”

“Something needs to be done, and if the rules of the road are followed, people will be able to safely exit Virginia Avenue. That is the chokepoint. Right now, you have dozens of cars stacked up on Virginia Avenue because they can’t get out. If they don’t warrant a light, then we need to have stop signs.”

Mayor Matt MacCoy competed in his “Minute With the Mayor” social media broadcast.

He said this will allow the city to “evaluate if this intersection will ultimately warrant additional traffic signals or potentially a light. Although we are not thrilled with a four-way stop, it is a step in the right direction.”