Markell Opens Assawoman Canal Trail in Ocean View
Governor Jack Markell and Senator Gerald Hocker on Wednesday in Ocean View
On Wednesday, Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary David Small, Senator Gerald Hocker and Mary Ridgeway of the Federal Highway Administration officially opened the brand new Assawoman Canal Trail in Ocean View.
It’s a mile-long trail that runs from Town Road, adjacent to Route 26, and runs northwest along the canal towards Whites Creek.
In remarks at the trail opening, State Senator Gerald Hocker of Ocean View emphasized the potential safety benefits of providing an alternative to walking, running and cycling on nearby Route 26. Hocker also challenged DelDOT to find a way to extend the trail under Route 26.
“I said when they first presented this [trail] there’s no way I can support pedestrians crossing 26. And I stick to that,” said Hocker. “The way people drive on this road [I said] that it would be completely unsafe to allow that to happen. So to you members from DelDOT, find a way for us to get under 26 and under this bridge so we can extend it.”
The new Assawoman Canal Trail in Ocean View
Sussex Cyclists vice president Michelle Williams says she looks forward to using the trail along with other members of the public. She notes that Route 26 that runs between Bethany and Ocean View is challenging to ride in because of heavy traffic. “Unless you’re a very seasoned cyclist, [26] is a fairly dangerous street. And this gives people an opportunity to still be outdoors and ride their bike, but still in a safe way.”
The trail, which is one of several projects conducted under Governor Markell’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative, was funded by a nearly $800,000 grant from the Federal Recreational Trail program and a $170,000 grant from the State Trails and Pathways Initiative. Mary Ridgeway from from the Federal Highway Administration also spoke briefly, lauding Delaware’s commitment to nonmotorized transportation.
The new trail is just east of Ocean View along the Assawoman Canal (northwest of Bethany Beach). Check out the map below showing the location of the trail (in yellow):
RELATED:
• See the World-Class Statewide Network of Pathways and Trails DelDOT and DNREC Propose to Build
• All Bike Delaware articles on the First State Trails and Pathways Initiative
• Top 8 Reasons Delaware Is Now the #3 Most Bicycle Friendly State in America
2 Responses
It was an honor to attend the ceremony today and I would like to extend a sincere heartfelt thank you to all who were involved in this project. Biking is something that our family enjoys and this trail is a great way to enjoy nature. Enjoying a bike ride with a scenic view and without the stress of being on the streets during the season.
Where is the parking for trail?