By Mike Finney

DOVER — It’s going to take a little more time before the nearly 15-mile Capital City Trail is completed, but with each phase that is finished, bicyclists, joggers and walkers get to enjoy another stretch of safe pathway.

The latest portion — known as Phase II, which runs adjacent to the east side of Del. 10 — was recently wrapped up, and state and local dignitaries celebrated the accomplishment Tuesday.

Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Nicole Majeski; Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens; Rep. Lyndon D. Yearick, R-Magnolia; Rep. Andria Bennett, D-Dover; Dover City Councilman Andre Boggerty; and other local officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting for the pathway.

“With each completed phase of work (on) the Capital City Trail, we move closer to completing what will ultimately be a nearly 15-mile trail around the city of Dover,” Ms. Majeski said. “Building this interconnectivity gives our residents a safe and convenient alternative to using a vehicle to get around the city and surrounding areas, and we are excited for the benefits this will provide to users of all ages.”

Phase II of the trail is a multiuse path along Del. 10 that runs from the Gateway Shopping Center to South State Street.

The work involved in the latest phase included sidewalks, transit improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curbs, gutters, paving, fencing, signage and landscaping.

The latest section is part of the overall Capital City Trail, which connects downtown Dover, Camden, Wyoming, Dover Air Force Base, Brecknock Park, Caesar Rodney High School, Schutte Park, DelDOT’s Danner Campus and points between.

It is a welcome addition to Kent County, said Rep. Bennett.

“Delaware’s wide array of pristine multiuse trails have proven to be a great success, allowing residents to experience the beauty of our state while enjoying the great outdoors,” she said. “With the completion of the Capital City Trail, which runs through the heart of historic Kent County, our community will be connected in a way that benefits locals, visitors and businesses alike.

“I’m grateful for DelDOT’s commitment to expanding and improving this important trail, which showcases the vitality of our area, while providing people of all backgrounds with an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.”

Rep. Yearick agreed that the trail is a win-win for the area.

“I want to thank DelDOT’s efforts to improve the pedestrians’ and bikers’ safety on the road,” he said. “Throughout the state, we need to make a conscientious effort to improve the safety of our roads, and this is a step forward in central Kent County.”

The length of the trail is around 14.5 miles. The remaining section, from South State Street to U.S. 13, is to be constructed in conjunction with the Camden Bypass Project. Work on that portion of the path is scheduled to begin next year and will include a connection point on the new bypass.

Mr. Bivens said the Division of Parks and Recreation, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, has built a solid relationship with DelDOT through projects like the Capital City Trail.

“DNREC has enjoyed and looks forward to continuing a great working relationship with DelDOT in developing trails throughout the state that bring more and more people in touch with Delaware’s natural beauty and recreational resources,” he said. “We cannot endorse strongly enough the expansion of the trail network across the state, thus providing public access to more opportunities for both recreational pursuits and alternative transportation.”

The state now has more than 500 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails.

Camden Mayor Tracy Torres said she is excited that her town will be included in the next phase of the project.

“I think it’s fantastic to have a trail providing accessibility to the parks and historic attractions in this area, as well as the Dover Air Force Base,” she said. “This provides options for those who desire a healthy lifestyle, and it’s a safe way for families to explore the area. I’m very happy this connection will soon include Camden.”