What was a stretch of Elkton Road in Newark is now South Main Street.
The “new” portion of Newark’s Main Street officially debuted Friday as Mayor Vance Funk and other officials cut the ribbon the renamed of a section of Elkton Road.
South Main Street is the portion of Elkton Road from the end of Main Street to West Park Place. It was added to the city’s Downtown district last year in an effort to boost business there, but Newark City Manager Carol Houck believes the renaming reinforces the transition.
“We do believe that it will be as vibrant. We are already seeing a lot of good signs. We have some plans to continue some of our other efforts that are already on Main Street. Decorations and things like that for the seasons," said Houck. "And we believe that it will be a full continuation of our downtown which is an award winning downtown.”
Initial reaction from businesses has been mostly positive, with some new development already occurring on South Main.
The renaming coincides with the two-year-old DelDOT road widening and improvement project on the street.
Houck says that construction will also help put a new face on South Main.
“Elkton Road was in pretty bad shape. We are just thrilled with how it looks right now. With the improved turning opportunities, improved look of the islands, and we also have some irrigation that was put into certain islands so that it will allow us to beautify the area. Not to mention the ability to access the business that are relocating here,” said Houck.
Houck expects that roadwork to be completed by early spring.
