AVALON – Ocean Drive (County Road No. 619) between Avalon and Sea Isle City is scheduled to re-open to vehicular traffic at 3 p.m., Feb. 12. The permanent restoration of the section of Ocean Drive between 4th Avenue in Avalon and the bridge over Townsends Inlet will be substantially completed Feb. 12.
South State Inc., the county’s contractor, completed this project as promised at the start of the construction. South State worked two 10-hour shifts per day and six days a week through some very rough and cold conditions to complete this project. This project was originally planned to take almost two years to complete due to environmental restrictions and summer tourist travel.
Once the roadway reopens Feb. 12, there are no planned closings on the roadway or the Townsends Inlet Bridge for construction activities. However, there may be an occasional lane closing to complete any remaining or maintenance work.
This permanent restoration project hardened the Ocean Drive roadway to minimize the damage inflicted on the pavement due to wave action. The new roadbed consists of stainless steel reinforced concrete. An open graded stone area has been created between the seawall and the new concrete roadbed to permit most of the water from the waves crashing on the seawall to return to the ocean instead of running across the roadway. Previously, all of the water from the waves ran across the roadway. Unfortunately, there will be times during high tides and a northeast wind that waves will overtop the seawall and, for safety concerns, may result in the roadway being temporarily closed.
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