Atlantic City Moves Closer to Completing Atlantic Avenue Upgrade as Final Paving Phase Nears
Atlantic City is preparing to enter the final paving stage of its long-running Atlantic Avenue Improvement Project, bringing one of the city’s largest roadway upgrades closer to completion. City officials said the last phase of paving is expected to begin by early October and finish before the city’s holiday parade scheduled for Dec. 12.
The project has experienced changes to its construction schedule over the past several months. While paving was initially planned for the summer, officials explained that design revisions, supply chain challenges, and severe winter weather delayed the timeline. The city said these adjustments allowed crews to complete important underground utility work before moving ahead with the road surface, helping avoid future disruptions after paving is finished.
City leaders believe the project is now entering its final stretch after completing the required preparation work beneath the roadway. Officials say this approach will help ensure the upgraded avenue remains reliable for years while reducing the need for additional excavation after construction is complete.
Atlantic City also worked closely with Atlantic City Electric to finalize a tariff agreement for a new street lighting system that will be installed as part of the project. According to the city, the upgraded lighting will provide improved coverage along Atlantic Avenue while also creating long-term savings for local taxpayers through a more efficient system.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. said the city has been working toward this milestone for a long time and that residents and visitors have been waiting for the completion of Atlantic Avenue. He credited the progress to cooperation between city, state, and federal partners and expressed confidence that the roadway will soon be fully completed.
City Engineer Uzo Ahiarakwe also said construction crews are ready to begin the final stage after completing the necessary groundwork. He added that the city’s goal is to move through the remaining work efficiently while keeping disruptions to nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and visitors as limited as possible during construction.
To help speed up the project, contractor South State Inc. agreed to shift additional resources to the site after the mayor encouraged the construction team to complete roadway work this year instead of delaying paving until 2027. The accelerated schedule is expected to allow the city to finish the remaining improvements before the end of the year.
The current construction phase carries a price tag of approximately $17.6 million and covers Atlantic Avenue from Tennessee Avenue to Albany Avenue. Along with new pavement, the project includes synchronized traffic signals designed to improve traffic flow, surveillance cameras to support public safety, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps to improve accessibility for pedestrians.
This phase is part of a broader $24.8 million effort to modernize one of Atlantic City’s busiest transportation corridors. Atlantic Avenue runs from the city’s border with Ventnor City in the southwest to the Absecon Inlet in the northeast, making it a key route for residents, commuters, businesses, and visitors.
The overall improvement project has been underway for several years. The first major section was completed in 2023 and focused on Atlantic Avenue between Maine Avenue and Tennessee Avenue. That earlier work established the foundation for the streetscape improvements and safety upgrades now being extended through the current construction phase.
With the remaining paving work expected to begin in early October, city officials say the project is approaching its final milestone. If construction stays on schedule, Atlantic Avenue will receive its completed roadway improvements before Atlantic City’s annual holiday parade in December, marking the end of one of the city’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent years.
Sources
- City of Atlantic City (Official)
- Atlantic City Engineering Department (Official)
- Atlantic City Electric (Official)
