Rocky Run Underpass Feasibility Study

The Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO), the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and the New Castle County (Delaware) Department of Land Use are initiating a study for the feasibility of creating a pedestrian/bicycle pathway under Concord Pike/US 202 at the Rocky Run culvert. This study will consider the use of existing infrastructure for a pathway connection under Concord Pike at this location and expanding the current trail network to better connect the neighborhoods along the corridor with retail,  restaurants and recreational areas. This project will have a particular focus on the residents on the east side of Concord Pike having connectivity to the extensive open space and parklands on the west side.

Concord Pike/US 202 is a US Highway that runs north and south between Wilmington and the Pennsylvania state line. Currently, safe and accessible walking and biking facilities along Concord Pike are limited and disconnected. With six travel lanes, high traffic volumes and speeds, and a disconnected bicycle and pedestrian network, Concord Pike is not a comfortable place to walk or bike. Crossings for pedestrians and bicycle riders on the corridor are uncomfortable and feel unsafe due to the width of the roadway and high vehicle speeds, and intersections generally have heavy traffic and multiple turning movements.

Due to these conditions, Concord Pike creates a barrier for residents who live on the eastern side of the corridor to accessing the Brandywine Creek State Park, and the adjacent First State National Historical Park/Brandywine Valley.

WILMAPCO and its partners (DelDOT/DTC, NCC Land Use) completed the Concord Pike/US 202 Master Plan in 2020 which looked at transportation and land use changes for the next 20 years for the corridor. In the final report, there were recommendations to improve the existing conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists, and to create better connectivity between neighborhoods, commercial areas and park amenities along the corridor. Specific recommendations include the following:

Opportunities to Connect to Existing Paths and Park Trail Systems: The State of Delaware and New Castle County have several existing trails within their respective parks. Creating connectivity and including wayfinding signage will provide clear directions and allows for safer traveling between destinations. Connecting neighborhoods to these parks through an expanded network will allow residents to enjoy these open spaces without having to travel to them by car.

Explore the Feasibility of Bike/Pedestrian Overpass or Underpass:  While costly, opportunities exist along the corridor to explore this concept. An over/underpass can help achieve the vision of enhancing safer east/west movement across Concord Pike.

One of the areas considered for this second recommendation included the existing culvert for the Rocky Run, located just south of the southern entrance to the Widener University Law School campus. This location was identified due to the existing culvert, and the proximity to parkland and trail networks on the west side on Concord Pike. It is also advantageous because of its proximity to the western border of the former Brandywine Country Club, which is planned for redevelopment that would include residences and new trails that would connect to existing neighborhoods along Shipley Road, to the east.

The study will include consideration and analysis of the existing culvert structure and possible repurposing of one of the three culvert cells. The study will include a hydraulic analysis of the Rocky Run and how alteration of the culvert could affect that watercourse in normal conditions, and by 10 and 100 year storm events. The study also includes survey and consideration to determine if a new, separated pedestrian/bike underpass could be created in this location.

The study will work with the Concord Pike Monitoring Committee, and will be included in those committee meetings and public outreach structure. The study will also employ a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that will assist the project team with the hydrology analysis and the culvert structural survey.

Please contact Dave Gula, Principal Planner, at dgula@wilmapco.org or 302-737-6205 x122, if you have any questions about this project.