Press Release -- July 15, 2008
DelDOT Accepting Brick Orders for the Delaware Highway Memorial Garden
Smyrna --
Last October, Secretary of Transportation Carolann Wicks was joined with elected officials as well as friends and family of victims of Delaware traffic fatalities, to officially dedicate the Delaware Highway Memorial Garden at the Smyrna Rest Area.
Since that time the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has added over 50 bricks to the garden path. The Memorial Garden now holds over 350 engraved bricks, each one representing a person who lost their life on Delaware roadways. To honor the memories of all those who have perished DelDOT wants to again encourage the public to order a personalized brick in memory of a loved one.
There is no cost for the brick, and the death must have occurred on a Delaware roadway. Brick orders are verified through the Delaware State Police and/or the Office of Vital Statistics. Only one personalized brick per deceased individual is permitted.
One of the goals of the Memorial Garden is to educate the public that roadside memorials are illegal under Delaware's Clear Zone Safety Law, and at times pose a safety hazard to motorists. By ordering an engraved brick, the garden provides a personal, safe and maintenance-free way to remember a loved one.
The garden provides families of lost loved ones the opportunity to enjoy the peacefulness of the garden as they remember their lives together and move forward toward healing.
In addition, DelDOT notes that the garden serves as a daily reminder to drive safely for all motorists stopping by the Smyrna Rest Area. The Memorial Garden is just one of the ways DelDOT is increasing awareness and education to address the alarming number of traffic fatalities in the state.
DelDOT invites the public to explore the 11,000 square foot garden located on the grounds of the Smyrna Rest Area at 5500 DuPont Highway in Smyrna, Delaware. The garden contains a creative blend of native trees, shrubs and flowering plants. A concrete pathway outlined with personalized bricks gives the garden significant meaning and character. Also benches are placed throughout the garden for visitors' use.
For those interested in ordering a free brick, please contact DelDOT Public Relations at 302-760-2080 or (in-state) 800-652-5600.
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