US Route 113
US Route 113 is a north-south highway in the United States that traverses the Delmarva Peninsula, serving portions of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. The route extends approximately 67 miles through Delaware alone, representing a significant transportation corridor for the state's lower regions. US Route 113 connects the rural agricultural communities of southern Delaware with the more developed areas to the north, facilitating commerce and regional connectivity. The highway passes through or near several notable Delaware towns, including Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and South Bethel, serving both local traffic and through-travelers heading to the Atlantic coast. As a U.S. Route, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration, though maintenance and operation in Delaware are managed by the Delaware Department of Transportation and Construction.
History
US Route 113 was established in 1926 as part of the original numbering system of U.S. Routes following the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916. The route designation was assigned to connect communities along the Delmarva Peninsula, a geographical region comprising Delaware, Maryland's Eastern Shore, and Virginia's Eastern Shore. Prior to the federal highway system, the roadway that would become US 113 consisted of various state roads and local thoroughfares, many unpaved or poorly maintained.[1] The standardization of the route number and subsequent improvements reflected the early twentieth-century expansion of automobile travel and the need for improved rural connectivity.
Throughout the mid-twentieth century, US Route 113 underwent numerous improvements and realignments as Delaware's transportation infrastructure modernized. The construction of the Rehoboth Beach Bypass in the 1960s significantly altered the route's path through Sussex County, allowing through-traffic to circumvent the town center while maintaining local access roads. Various segments of the highway have been widened and resurfaced over the decades to accommodate increasing traffic volumes, particularly during summer months when beach tourism peaks. The route has also been subject to periodic relocations to accommodate development and to improve traffic flow through congested areas.
Geography
US Route 113 enters Delaware from Maryland in the northwestern portion of Sussex County, near the community of Laurel. The route runs southward through predominantly rural agricultural land, passing through or near numerous small communities characteristic of the Delmarva Peninsula. The terrain is generally flat with elevations typically not exceeding 40 feet above sea level, reflecting the peninsula's location within the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province. The landscape is dominated by agricultural fields, particularly cropland devoted to corn, soybeans, and specialty vegetables, interspersed with areas of mixed forest and wetlands.[2]
As US Route 113 progresses southward through Sussex County, it passes through the western portions of the Rehoboth Beach area, with the Rehoboth Beach Bypass providing an alternative route that circumvents downtown congestion. The route intersects with numerous state routes and local roads that provide connections to coastal communities and inland areas. Several significant water bodies influence the route's geography, including tributaries of the Nanticoke River and various freshwater and brackish wetland areas. The southern terminus of US Route 113 in Delaware occurs at the Virginia state line, where the route continues its northward designation into Virginia's Accomack County on the Eastern Shore.
Transportation
US Route 113 functions as a critical transportation artery for southern Delaware, serving as the primary north-south corridor for vehicular traffic in the region outside of Interstate 95. The roadway carries significant seasonal traffic, particularly during summer months and holiday periods when beach-bound travelers utilize the route to access Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and other coastal destinations. Average daily traffic counts on US Route 113 vary considerably depending on location and season, with higher volumes recorded in areas closer to the coastal communities. The Delaware Department of Transportation maintains traffic monitoring stations along the route to assess congestion patterns and infrastructure needs.[3]
The route accommodates both commercial and personal traffic, serving as a vital link for agricultural product transportation from farms in southern Delaware to processing facilities and distribution centers. Bus services operated by various regional carriers utilize US Route 113 to provide connections between Delaware communities and regional destinations. The road's configuration varies along its length, with portions consisting of four lanes in areas of higher traffic demand, while other sections maintain two-lane configurations in less developed areas. Seasonal congestion, particularly on summer weekends and holiday periods, has prompted periodic studies regarding capacity improvements and traffic management strategies. The Delaware Department of Transportation coordinates with Maryland and Virginia transportation authorities to ensure consistency in maintenance standards and safety practices across state lines.
Economy
The communities served by US Route 113 depend significantly on the economic opportunities generated by the highway's connectivity. Agricultural operations throughout southern Delaware rely on US Route 113 for market access, with farmers utilizing the route to transport crops, livestock, and agricultural equipment. The route provides essential connections for farm-to-market commerce, supporting the region's substantial agricultural economy. Additionally, businesses in service sectors, including restaurants, retail establishments, and lodging facilities near US Route 113, benefit from the steady flow of travelers accessing coastal destinations and local communities.[4]
Tourism represents a significant economic driver for communities along US Route 113, with the highway serving as the primary access route for visitors traveling to Rehoboth Beach and other coastal attractions. Seasonal variations in traffic reflect the tourism industry's patterns, with peak traffic occurring during summer vacation periods and around major holidays. Small towns along the route have developed economies partially dependent on tourist spending, including hospitality services, dining establishments, and recreational facilities. The consistent accessibility provided by US Route 113 has supported the development and maintenance of these tourism-dependent communities, making the route's infrastructure condition a matter of economic importance to local stakeholders and municipal governments throughout the corridor.
Attractions
The Rehoboth Beach area, accessible via US Route 113, represents one of Delaware's primary tourist destinations, featuring beaches, boardwalk entertainment, and seasonal attractions. The route provides direct access to Rehoboth Avenue, the main commercial corridor of Rehoboth Beach, facilitating visitor access to dining, shopping, and entertainment venues concentrated in the downtown area. Dewey Beach, located south of Rehoboth, maintains a distinct character as a smaller, family-oriented beach community similarly dependent on US Route 113 connectivity. The route passes through areas of ecological significance, including wetlands and maritime forests that support diverse plant and animal communities characteristic of the Delmarva Peninsula.
State parks and natural areas located near US Route 113 offer recreational opportunities for visitors and residents. These facilities feature hiking trails, water access points, and environmental education programs that highlight the peninsula's natural heritage. Historic sites and cultural landmarks throughout the region document the area's colonial heritage and agricultural history. Small-town downtowns along the route, such as those in Bethel and surrounding communities, preserve architectural elements reflecting Delaware's nineteenth and early twentieth-century development patterns, providing cultural interest for heritage tourism and local historical study.