Wider, Higher Entry Will Be ‘Challenging’

WILDWOOD – Freeholders approved a $1.28-million contract with Michael Baker International – a civil engineering consulting firm in Hamilton, Mercer County – to design roadway and drainage improvements at the Rio Grande Avenue entrance to this city.
County Engineer Dale Foster briefed the board on what he termed, “a challenging project, and this is just the engineering part.” He spoke at a caucus meeting prior to the regular June 9 meeting during which the contract was approved. The project will raise and widen the roadway and improve drainage, he said.
The work will encompass Rio Grande Avenue from George Redding Bridge to Park Boulevard.
Foster said the existing right of way is “tight and the roadway is tight.” Additionally, “There are several former and existing fueling facilities, so we will probably run into contaminated soil, like we’ve run into at the former John’s Tire and Auto.”
Utilities, such as electric, telephone and cable, must be relocated. There is also the issue of stormwater to deal with, which causes flooding in the area. Where will the storm water go? He asked. It cannot be channeled onto private property. And, speaking of private property, there are also “slivers” that will have to be acquired from private owners in order to accomplish the task.
According to a county release, the intent of the project is to reduce traffic congestion, improve traffic safety, and eliminate the flooding that frequently occurs in this corridor after full and new moon high tides and heavy rainstorms.
Much of the congestion occurs at Susquehanna Avenue and Rio Grande Avenue, by motorists wishing to make left turns at the intersection, or to access businesses along Rio Grande Avenue.
Rio Grande Avenue is to be raised as much as possible to reduce the flooding that frequently makes this roadway impassible which will also improve its utilization during storm evacuation circumstances.
The design costs are being funded by the county, but it will be seeking state and federal funds for construction.
To accomplish the above referenced project goals, Rio Grande Avenue will be widened to provide left turn lane at the intersections, the roadway profile will be raised, an improved storm water runoff collection system will be installed, and streetscape and new destination signs will be added. These improvements will likely encompass the relocation of aerial and
The design is expected to take approximately three years to complete due to the permitting process, developing utility relocation plans and securing the necessary right-of-way for the improvements. Construction is expected to commence immediately thereafter.
As an interim safety measure, the county has undertaken an initiative to reduce traffic congestion until Baker has completed its design and the improvements are constructed.
A temporary “slip” ramp is being constructed from Susquehanna Avenue southbound to Rio Grande Avenue westbound under a separate contract. This temporary ramp is expected to help alleviate the congestion associated with the northbound Susquehanna Avenue traffic turning left onto Rio Grande Avenue. The ramp is to be completed within the next two weeks.
Baker has been involved in other projects in the county, including the Ninth Street improvements in Ocean City (project that is very similar to the proposed Rio Grande Avenue improvements), Avalon Boulevard Bridge rehabilitation and widening and the Route 52 Causeway improvements.
Baker is also very familiar with the Wildwoods based upon its work on the recently completed Wildwood Transportation Study.