Co. Engineer Gives Rio Grande Avenue Update

WILDWOOD ─ With an election coming in November 2019, Wildwood City officials continue to carry out a master plan. As stated by Mayor Ernie Troiano, the master plan encompasses upgrades to infrastructure, repairing the Boardwalk, and creating an entrance into Wildwood via Rio Grande Avenue.
Since Troiano’s comments in October 2017, the Herald contacted County Engineer Robert Church for an update on the “gateway” project. Church responded March 20 and provided insight into the specifics and timeline of the endeavor.
“The Rio Grande entrance improvement project is a road reconstruction, streetscape, and utility project with the goal of alleviating traffic congestion along the corridor, improving drainage, evacuation capabilities, and overall site aesthetics,” Church stated via email.
“The project will transform the current four-lane corridor into a five-lane corridor including a center turning lane. Traffic signal reconstruction is planned at both Susquehanna Avenue and Park Boulevard as part of the project.” 
A sidewalk and low protective wall will replace the existing railing “along the easterly George Redding Bridge approach. A natural gas-powered stormwater pump station is also part of the overall project,” Church continued.
Work will extend from Rio Grande Avenue to “a point approximately 1,300 feet west of Susquehanna Avenue (near the existing eastern abutment joint of the George Redding Bridge) to Arctic Avenue in the City of Wildwood,” Church continued.
The roadway “profile” will be raised three feet at the Susquehanna Avenue intersection “in order to eliminate frequent closures due to flooding.”
Troiano commented on the project March 13. The mayor replied that progress has been slowed due to running utility lines.
Reducing flooding is a large component of the project. When flood waters rise, traffic is impeded and damage inflicted on public/private property and infrastructure.
On Oct. 11, 2017, Troiano said the visual appearance would be enhanced through the project, including Doo-Wop-themed signs, emblems, and the iconic beach balls. At the time, officials expected construction to begin in 2018 and finish in 2019.
According to Church, “The project also includes the installation of destination signing, creating a park area on Hudson Avenue, and additional green spaces, including trees, throughout the corridor.”
Though more aesthetically pleasing, the project’s function is also practical.
Church wrote, “The overall purpose of the project is to mitigate a high accident rate, reduce traffic congestion, alleviate frequent roadway flooding, and to provide better accommodations for various modes of transportation, including pedestrian and bicycle mobility along the Cape May County Route 661 – Rio Grande Avenue Corridor.”
As of March 2019, the first phase of work was underway, relocating lines that need to be relocated “in order for the work to proceed.”
According to Church, the work will extend until June 21. Four large commercial signs between Susquehanna and Park Boulevard “are to be relocated” and the stormwater pump station will be constructed.
“In addition, the contractor will be removing the northerly bridge guide rail and replacing it with a concrete parapet wall with mounted railing. In recognition of the imposition the project would have to summer activities and traffic, the project will undergo a seasonal shut down between June 22 through Sept. 3,” stated Church.
After Sept. 3, work will resume. The target completion date is May 21, 2020.
Troiano stressed the importance of not impeding traffic during the summer season. However, two-way traffic would be maintained via Rio Grande Avenue by “shifting” travel lanes. A “short duration detour” is permitted for eastbound traffic along West Hand Avenue (between Susquehanna and Park Boulevard), according to Church. The detour will allow construction of roadway surface between the two streets.
Complete closure of Rio Grande Avenue and a “full detour” (for no more than three consecutive days and nights) will allow “greater flexibility” during construction. However, proposed detours will not occur until phase two construction begins.
According to Church, “good progress” has been made as of March 19. Verizon utility poles have been moved and Atlantic City Electric will begin moving its lines in April.
“The contractor has installed the cofferdam (enclosure surrounded by water) at the proposed pump station site and has driven test piles for the purpose of determining the production pile lengths. The piles will form the foundation of the proposed pump station,” Church stated.
Pile installation was expected to begin March 26.
Church stated, “The concrete base of the parapet wall has been poured and is nearly complete, and the parapet wall is being formed and poured.
“It is anticipated that the northerly parapet wall will be completed by the end of April. Test pits are scheduled to begin late this month into April at which time any utility conflicts will be identified for the purpose of resolving conflicts in advance of phase two construction.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.