FAQs

Phase One of the plan would be to install passive barriers, which are fixed bollards. Approximately 32 bollards, spaced five feet apart, will be installed on Rehoboth Avenue approaching the Bandstand, and approximately 35 bollards at the edge of the Boardwalk and Rehoboth Avenue. It will also include two active barriers, which are drop arm or swing gates, on Rehoboth Avenue at the Boardwalk.

A bollard is a sturdy, vertical post designed to restrict traffic movement and protect people and property from vehicle intrusions. In simpler terms, they prevent cars/trucks/buses from – intentionally or unintentionally – driving into pedestrians, or onto sidewalks or the boardwalk.

We are looking at neutral-colored bollards. They are quite common in popular pedestrian areas, and often go unnoticed, especially once people are used to them.

Due to the heavy pedestrian presence during our Summer Concerts at the Bandstand and the City’s desire to physically secure the area around it, the bollards and new safety measures will prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas. This is especially important during larger city events like the Fireworks and the Christmas Tree Lighting. The bollard placement along the Boardwalk will protect pedestrians and the boardwalk itself on a regular basis.

City officials see this as a preventative safety measure. There is no direct cause for concern, however, pedestrians and visitors of events, Rehoboth Avenue, and the Boardwalk will be safer.

The City will also be installing two drop arm or swing arm gates by the Boardwalk to provide access to emergency vehicles. The City examined using retractable bollards instead, but between the higher costs of these bollards, and the wear and tear they would take due to beach, sand, and weather conditions, that plan would not make the most sense. Because there needs to be emergency vehicle access, installing active barriers is a must.

Disruption should not be significant, but there will be work done on the sidewalk area. 

This was brought to our attention by a concerned resident with a wealth of public safety knowledge. We realized there were vulnerabilities that existed in our city, for our residents and visitors, and businesses, and that it was time to address them. It’s a concerted effort at making Rehoboth Beach as safe and comfortable as possible for everyone.