Construction crews are busy working on a project on 40th Street near Central Avenue.
By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Motorists shouldn’t be surprised if they encounter “Road Closed” or “Detour” signs while driving around Sea Isle City this winter and spring.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio said a series of road projects are coming in spring as the city pushes to complete construction before the busy summer tourism season arrives.
Sea Isle traditionally does road reconstruction and utility projects during the quiet off-season months to avoid disruptions when the local streets are crowded with summer traffic.
Currently, the city is in the process of replacing deteriorated sanitary sewer lines on 40th Street. Detour signs are up to guide traffic around the construction workers. The road will be repaved in spring, Desiderio said.
Speaking during a City Council meeting Tuesday, Desiderio gave a preview of other paving projects that are planned during the spring. They include:
A "Road Closed" sign blocks access to 40th Street at Cini Avenue.
In an interview after the Council meeting, Desiderio expressed his thanks to motorists for their patience.
“It’s all for the betterment of Sea Isle City,” he said of the construction projects.
Construction will not be limited to the roads. The city also plans to build two new handicap-accessible ramps in place of steep and narrow steps leading up to the Promenade at 51st Street and 53rd Street.
Council awarded a $298,500 contract for ramp construction to R.A. Walters & Son Inc. of Cape May Court House.
Desiderio noted that the city has been planning the project for “some time” and recently received the necessary permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection to build the ramps. The project is expected to be completed before the summer season.
The “gently sloping” ramps will make it easier for senior citizens, people with disabilities and families with young children to gain access to the oceanfront Promenade.
“Making the Promenade more accessible will benefit our entire community,” city spokeswoman Katherine Custer said. “In addition to giving more options to our residents and visitors with special needs, the new ramps will also be advantageous for beachgoers pulling carts filled with gear, parents pushing strollers, bicyclists, and anyone else who wants to enjoy easier access to our Promenade and beachfront.”
Sea Isle plans to replace these steps leading to the Promenade at 51st Street with a new ramp as well as the steps at 53rd Street.
The Promenade stretches for 1.5 miles between 29th and 57th streets and is a haven for pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists. It is often crowded with people heading to the beaches in the bustling summer vacation season.
Sea Isle already has ramps that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act at a number of locations on the Promenade. They include where the Promenade starts at 29th Street and ends at 57th Street. They can also be found at John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 44th Street, 49th Street and other locations.
