Georgetown to Lewes Trail Groundbreaking Ceremony
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Final Phase of Trail
Staff from the Dover, Delaware, office joined Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Nicole Majeski, along with federal, state, and local government officials and other stakeholders, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the final six miles of the 17-mile Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail. Kleinfelder-Century provided design services for the entire project, which was completed under seven contracts over an eight-year period. Kleinfelder-Century also provided construction management services for most of the contracts and was instrumental in securing a $21 million RAISE grant to fund this final section of the trail.
Project Highlights: Connecting Communities and Preserving Context
The project includes a 10-foot-wide path along the historic Junction and Breakwater rail line in Sussex County, Delaware. It features both rail-to-trail and rail-with-trail sections within the existing railroad right-of-way, several at-grade crossings, and an underpass at SR1, the main north-south resort access highway. The project incorporates local cultural and environmental context through informational kiosks about the area’s history and raised wooden boardwalks on helical piles to navigate sensitive wetland areas. This newest section of the trail includes 1,500 feet of elevated boardwalk.
When completed in the summer of 2026, the trail will connect residential, commercial, and industrial areas, as well as link to other trails in the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach resort area. These connections will significantly improve access to jobs, government facilities, and parks, while offering an alternative transportation option for residents, reducing motor vehicle trips, and contributing to the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This past summer, over 1,000 users per day were recorded on the already completed eastern section of the path.
A Testament to Excellence: Kleinfelder-Century Contributions
“The successful completion of this project demonstrates the depth and responsiveness of services that our firm can provide to clients,” said Scott Rathfon, Area Manager. “That DelDOT called on us to deliver the entire project is a testament to the quality of our staff and their work. These projects stemmed from our Rail Crossing Asset Management services and other successful trail, path, sidewalk, and roadway projects we have delivered for DelDOT for over 35 years.”
“Working on this project from concept to completion has been extremely satisfying,” said Jon Hermes, Program Manager-Design. “Being able to bring together resources from throughout Kleinfelder has developed expertise and relationships that can be applied to future opportunities.”
Recognition and Gratitude
“This project is a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable and accessible transportation network,” said DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski. “The continued success and popularity of the Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail underscore the importance of investing in infrastructure that benefits both residents and visitors.” Secretary Majeski personally thanked the Kleinfelder-Century staff in attendance for their efforts on the project.
Congratulations to Scott Rathfon (Area Manager), Jon Hermes (Program Manager-Design), Mike Cronin (Project Engineer), Brian Kisner (Program Manager-Construction), Dana Rathfon Kohler, Dale Cook, Richard Higgins, Josh Clukey, Jill Frey, Jason Wheatley, and numerous other staff members. Special recognition goes to Kelly Burnell’s bridge team from San Diego for their support.
We would be remiss not to offer posthumous recognition to Bill Conway and Danny Simmons for the roles they played in the early development of the Georgetown-to-Lewes Trail. Their hard work and dedication exemplify the legacy they leave behind through numerous successful projects across the state of Delaware.
