WILDWOOD CREST – Construction will begin on a $3.9 million project to repair underground infrastructure and roads on part of Pacific Avenue and five other side streets, Marc DeBlasio, the borough’s engineer, said.
Asphalt Paving Systems was awarded the $5.8-million contract Feb. 19 by commissioners. Wildwood Water Utility and the county will pay smaller shares of the tab, leaving a $3.9 million balance for the borough, DeBlasio, of the Wildwood firm DeBlasio & Associates, said.
Construction will begin as soon, according to the engineer. The underground work will be done before the county can pave the road, he explained.
Asphalt Paving will work until the beginning of June, and if the job isn’t completed, the contractor will resume in September, DeBlasio said.
Mayor Don Cabrera said the contractor would likely complete Pacific Avenue first, followed by work on the five residential streets.
The project includes utility improvements under Pacific Avenue, between Jefferson and Rambler, and on these streets, between Pacific and New Jersey: Washington, St. Louis, Hollywood, Miami, and Farragut, said DeBlasio.
The project will entail sewer replacement, water replacement, and a new storm sewer, which will be owned and operated by the county, according to the engineer’s report.
As for the $3.9 million price tag?
“The borough overall is in good shape. The amount of debt we take on in a particular year is equal to the amount of debt we pay off,” Cabrera said. “Crest is in a very strong financial position.”
