City of Rehoboth Beach Presents Bandstand/Boardwalk Vehicular Barrier Plan
October 6, 2025
FAQ: What You Need to Know
October 6, 2025
After today’s executive session, City of Rehoboth Beach officials presented a Bandstand/Boardwalk Vehicular Barrier plan at public session outlining new safety measures. These include the implementation of bollards to enhance pedestrian safety at the Bandstand and Boardwalk on Rehoboth Avenue, and swing/drop arm gates at the Boardwalk. We assume the public will have some questions, so we are providing this document to help answer them.
Q: What does the project entail?
A: 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.
Q: What is a bollard, exactly?
A: 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.
Photos courtesy of City of Rehoboth Beach
Q: Won’t they change the aesthetics of the Bandstand, Rehoboth Avenue, and the Boardwalk?
A: 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.
Q: Why does Rehoboth Beach need this?
A: 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, Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk will be safer.
Q: Is the project only to install bollards?
A: 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.
Q: When will this take place?
A: The plans will be presented to Commissioners on October 17 to consider awarding the contract. November 1 is the deadline to issue Notice to Proceed. Bollards will then be manufactured and sent to Rehoboth Beach for anticipated receipt in February, for installation beginning in March. The project is expected to be completed by May 15.
Q: What kind of disruption will this cause to those of us here in the offseason?
A: Disruption should not be significant, but there will be work done on the sidewalk area.
Q: What is the cost of the project?
A: The cost of the project is still being determined, but Phase 1 (Rehoboth Avenue @ Bandstand and Boardwalk) is estimated to cost $1,100,000. Due to the Beach Patrol project coming in under budget, initial costs will be covered through those savings.
Q: What prompted this project?
A: 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.
Q: Does the public and/or residents have a say on this issue?
A: We have created a page on Reach Out Rehoboth (https://reachout.rehobothbeachde.gov/boardwalk-bandstand-vehicular-barrier-plan) with details on this project and will continue to provide updates there. We have also created a space for comments and feedback.
Contact: Brooke Thaler, Communications Department, 302-227-6181, ext. 522; bthaler@rehobothbeachde.gov
