The COVID-19 pandemic has not had any effect on the ongoing Rio Grande Avenue reconstruction project, according to Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron.
Work continues steadily on the stretch of the island’s busiest entrance boulevard between the base of the George Redding Bridge and Park Boulevard, and remains on target for completion by Memorial Day Weekend.
“Two-way traffic has resumed as we had the eastbound lane opened up,” said Byron. “So it’s really coming along. We haven’t had any stoppages of work since [Governor Phil Murphy] made a note for essential construction to proceed.”
As outlined in a public letter back in February, the project was initially conceived as a means to improve flood mitigation and traffic flow, but the road improvements provided an opportunity to implement a brand new gateway.
This will include a landscaped entrance lawn with a pump station “designed” in the shape of a Sightseer Tram Car, Doo Wop-style signage, and various, specifically-designed streetscape elements - and that’s just the beginning!
The plan is to continue the aesthetic redesign all the way down to Ocean Avenue, essentially linking the Rio Grande Avenue from start (the George Redding Bridge) to terminus (the Wildwoods Sign at the Boardwalk).
(Plans to rename the entrance boulevard appear to be on hold for now.)
“There’s two main components to this, and they will both have great short and long-term benefits,” said Byron. “It started as a project to reduce flooding in that area, which we call nuisance flooding. Because we live on an island, we simply can’t stop all of the flooding.
“But by essentially raising the avenue by 30 inches, we believe this will alleviate or at least reduce the amount that it won’t cause damage or stop traffic like it sometimes has in the past.”
Byron’s excitement for the other main aspect of the project was unmistakable.
“Then, there’s the beautification of our gateway,” he continued, “which we should be a big source of pride. It’s the main artery into Wildwood and should be a beautified area.
“For the last few years, it hasn’t looked so great. We’ve had a lot of closed up and dilapidated buildings on either side, but more so on the north side. Now that’s all been knocked down and cleared out.
“We’re hoping that some sort of chain comes in and either leases or buys up the available property and puts something really nice there.”
The project, which has been completed in phases and will cost an estimated $10 million in total, is an investment in the island’s future, according to Byron and others who have touted its importance.
“When you come over that bridge, we want that really vibrant, unmistakably ‘Wildwood’ type of look, and I think we’re well on our way to accomplishing that with the improvements and the existing businesses, with more to come,” Bryon explained.
“This is about our present and our future. When [the pandemic] is over and we can welcome people back, I can’t wait for everyone to see the progress that’s been made.
“It represents a big step forward for this town.”
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