How to get around the Delaware beaches during Fourth of July road closures, delays
Emily LytleThere is something about the collective experience of watching fireworks – the chorus of oohs and ahhs that ring out in a crowd, or the way the bursts of red, white and blue illuminate the faces around you.
But there’s one shared experience that most people would rather avoid when it comes to the Fourth of July: the inevitable traffic and road closures.
This can be an especially big headache for those navigating the Delaware beaches, which will almost certainly be packed with eager vacationers and visitors ready to celebrate the Fourth this year.
If you’re planning to spend the holiday weekend at the Delaware beaches or live near the festivities elsewhere in the state, here’s a guide on how best to get around – and do it safely.
WHERE TO WATCH:17 places you can see Fourth of July fireworks in Delaware and Maryland
Closures, alternate routes at the beach
Some roads will be closed due to fireworks displays throughout the weekend. Here are a few closures, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation and municipalities.
Rehoboth Beach - Saturday, July 3
Starting at 8:30 p.m., Rehoboth Avenue eastbound and Church Street from Route 1 will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Drivers can take State Road or Bayard Avenue, which are a little farther south off Coastal Highway, to get into Rehoboth Beach.
Only bus traffic and residents will be permitted on Henlopen Avenue and Surf Avenue.
To leave the beach, those headed north should take Columbia Avenue or Rehoboth Avenue. Drivers can also get onto Route 1 north and south by taking Hickman Street and Munson Street west to State Road.
If trying to get onto Route 1 south, drivers can use Bayard Avenue.
Lewes - Sunday, July 4
Drivers will not be able to cross the two main bridges to get to Lewes Beach the evening of Sunday, July 4. The bridges will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Savannah Road Bridge will close at 7 p.m., and the Freeman Highway bridge (Route 9 toward the ferry) will close at 8 p.m.
All traffic leaving Lewes Beach will go west on Savannah Road after the fireworks. No turns will be allowed onto Gills Neck Road, Pilottown Road and King's Highway to keep traffic moving.
Traffic on Cape Henlopen Drive will leave via the Freeman Highway.
Dewey Beach - Sunday, July 4
Dagsworthy Avenue (on the bayside) will be closed at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, and will remain closed until the fireworks are over.
Dewey Beach Police Chief Sam Mackert gave some tips for drivers, especially because the holiday falls on a Sunday and large crowds are expected: Plan ahead, leave in plenty of time to reach your destination, slow down, be alert for pedestrians and follow suggestions from the Delaware Department of Transportation to avoid delays throughout the weekend.
Bethany Beach - Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5
Bethany Beach will have festivities on both Sunday and Monday, but no roads will be closed for the events.
Traffic alerts outside the beaches
Newark - Friday, July 2 (rain date: Monday, July 5)
Starting at 6 p.m., drivers can expect delays on Route 896 and Route 4 within the city of Newark.
Free parking will be available at the University of Delaware Athletic Complex lots.
Wilmington Riverfront - Sunday, July 4
Beginning about 8:30 p.m., traffic will not be allowed into the Wilmington Riverfront area.
Traffic will be able to exit only, and all lanes will be used to direct cars out of the Riverfront. The Market Street Bridge will also be closed to vehicle traffic at 5 p.m.
Dover - Sunday, July 4
Drivers can expect delays in downtown Dover as fireworks will be launched from Legislative Mall at dusk.
Remember, this list is not inclusive of all delays and closures related to the July Fourth weekend.
To check on routes or travel times, people can use the Delaware Department of Transportation app on Apple and Android phones or tablets.
Public transportation
Want to avoid the parking and driving hassle altogether? Consider taking public transportation.
The DART Beach Bus has stops in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Bethany.
Keep in mind, though, that the bus may have different routes because of the above closures.
SAFETY:How walkable Delaware beach towns are trying to prevent pedestrian and bike crashes this summer
In Lewes, the following stops will be closed from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 4:
- DRBA Ferry Terminal
- Henlopen Drive at Dairy Queen
- Savannah Road at Cape Henlopen, the Daily Market and Smith Avenue
- Savannah Road opposite the Daily Market
And masks are still required on public transportation.
The Jolly Trolley runs between Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach has its own trolley system around town.
Ride shares
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is partnering with Lyft to offer discounted ride share services over the holiday weekend.
Anyone who texts SoberLift to 99000 can get a $15 discount code.
The code is valid through Monday, July 5 at 2 a.m. It can be used only in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and Ocean View.
BEACH ETIQUETTE:Ahead of Fourth of July, we asked, you answered. How not to annoy your neighbor at the beach
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@doverpost.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.