Construction Begins on Beach Drive Safety Improvement Project

NORTH CAPE MAY – Asphalt Paving Systems, the contractor hired by Lower Township to complete the Pedestrian Safety and Road Improvement Project to Beach Drive and Shore Drive in North Cape May and Town Bank, has started construction. 
The Beach Dr. safety improvement project is designed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety as well as improve drainage issues, repair current sidewalks, create appropriate handicap crosswalk access and help limit sand migration onto the roadway, according to a release. The project is expected to be completed by May 28.
The contractor is currently prepping with the area and installing signage and surveying. While lengthy utility outages during construction is not expected, minor outages may occur. Please expect minor delays and road closures from time to time throughout this project.
Please use caution if travel is necessary along this stretch of roadway. Lower Township appreciates your patience during construction and calls concerning construction issues can be directed to the Lower Township Manager Jim Ridgway at Township Hall at 609-886-2005.
Beach Dr. was not in compliance with the state Department of Transportation’s standards for motor vehicle and bike sharing, as well as drainage problems, and is not ADA compatible as there is a lack of appropriate handicap crosswalk access. Sand migration issues were also present, especially at the beginning at Lincoln Boulevard, which had reduced the width of the road.
The Beach Drive safety project includes installing a six-foot wide sidewalk on the west side of Beach Drive with curbing, improve existing sidewalks on the east side. Drainage improvements on the west side of Beach Drive from Lincoln to Fernwood roads and outfall pipe replacement at Washington Boulevard from Beach Drive. Curb and handicap ramp improvements would be made on the east side of Beach Drive from Whittier to Emerson roads. Sand that must be removed to complete the project, will be relocated back onto existing dunes and any vegetation will be replanted.
The project has been the subject of an environmental impact study and the state Department of Environmental Protection have issued approval. In addition, local law enforcement have voiced their support of the project because of severe safety concerns.