GEORGETOWN, DE - The Georgetown Town Council is set to consider and possibly accept a list of recommendations to improve safety at the Circle in Georgetown.
Following a series of recent crashes at the Circle, Georgetown officials formed the Circle Advisory Committee to address the frequency of crashes into the historic landmark. The findings of that committee, as well as proposals to mitigate the number of crashes, are set to be presented at tonight’s Town Council meeting.
The Circle Advisory Committee says the uptick in crashes began after a pavement rehabilitation project last Fall on the four streets leading into the Circle: North Bedford Street, South Bedford Street, East Market Street, and West Market Street. Since September 2023, the Committee says there have been nine crashes that have damaged the Circle, its monuments, fire hydrant, signage, and landscaping. Total combined damage from these crashes are estimated at $183,793.
In their report, the Circle Advisory Committee says a photometric study of the lighting around the Circle suggested existing light fixtures required replacement and a new light pole was needed at the North Bedford Street entrance. Additionally, the report underlined the need for new pavement markings on the roads leading to the Circle.
Ultimately, the Committee is recommending new signs to alert drivers as they approach the Circle as well as yellow flashing beacons, a flashing speed feedback sign, and speed limit warning signs, depending on the entrance street.
A proposal from a landscape architect to install interior perimeter crash protection at the Circle is also included in the Committee’s report, estimated at $20,000.
In total, the Committee’s recommendations are estimated at $30,900.
The Georgetown Town Council is scheduled to review the Circle Advisory Committee’s report and proposal at their meeting tonight, November 12th, at 7 p.m.
