DelDOT Institutes Virtual Public Workshops

The change from “live” to “virtual” will save DelDOT significant amounts of money. If you are impacted by any road improvement or closing projects you will be able to “attend” the public workshops and review documents much more easily than in the past. They will need feedback from users as they implement the plan.

In 2008, there were 50 public workshops and/or hearings. The main expenses were DelDOT staff overtime/compensatory time, outside firm time, room rental fees, and fuel costs. Under the new process, DelDOT expects that many of the above costs will nearly be eradicated. DelDOT’s goal is to be more effective and efficient communicators. It should be noted that hearings required by law will continue to be held.

“DelDOT is committed to informing the public about transportation projects,” DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks said. “What we are calling ‘virtual’ public workshops will continue to inform the community because the Web pages will have all the information that we bring to ‘live’ public workshops. DelDOT personnel will continue to find ways to be more cost efficient and still communicate with the public.”

A typical live workshop is limited to the hours of 4 to 7 p.m. on a weekday. The virtual workshops are a more convenient way to learn about upcoming transportation projects. Constituents can read and review the design plans 24 hours per day, 7 days per week from the comfort of their personal computer. While there will be deadlines to submit comments at www.deldot.gov, constituents will have several weeks to review the proposals before the due date.

The first of the virtual workshops will be in connection to the Sandy Bend project near MaryDel. Here is the announcement and format information.

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