ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A long-awaited overhaul of one of Atlantic City’s busiest corridors is now underway, as crews begin work on a $17.6 million paving and infrastructure project along Atlantic Avenue aimed at improving safety, traffic flow and the city’s overall appearance.
The project, which focuses on a key stretch of Atlantic Avenue running through the heart of the resort, is part of a broader, multi-phase effort to modernize aging roadways and pedestrian infrastructure in the city. Officials say the work will include full roadway resurfacing, upgraded traffic signals, and enhanced pedestrian features designed to make the corridor safer and more accessible.
City leaders have long described Atlantic Avenue as a critical artery that serves both residents and the millions of visitors who travel to the shore each year. The road runs parallel to the Boardwalk and connects neighborhoods, casinos, and businesses across the city.
“This is about more than just fresh pavement, it’s an investment in safety and quality of life for our residents,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. said when the project was first announced.
The $17.6 million effort is funded through a mix of federal, state and local dollars, including significant support from the Federal Highway Administration. Officials have said the project had been delayed for years due to litigation, regulatory reviews and funding hurdles before finally moving forward.
In addition to repaving, the project includes a wide range of improvements intended to modernize the corridor. Plans call for high-visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, upgraded lighting and synchronized traffic signals — all aimed at reducing accidents and improving mobility.
Atlantic Avenue has long been considered one of the more dangerous roadways in the region. Past studies cited hundreds of crashes over a multi-year period, including incidents involving pedestrians, fueling calls for safety upgrades and redesign efforts.
Beyond safety, officials say the project is also designed to improve the look and feel of the corridor. More than 200 decorative streetlights, new signage and landscaping elements are planned to create a more welcoming environment for visitors and to support local businesses.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew, who helped secure federal funding, described the project as the result of years of coordination across agencies.
“This project has been a bumpy ride and a rough road, but it’s finally going to get done,” Van Drew said.
The paving project also ties into broader infrastructure improvements across Atlantic City, where more than $25 million in transportation upgrades are either underway or recently completed, including work on nearby Pacific Avenue.
Still, not everyone has supported aspects of the broader Atlantic Avenue redesign. Previous proposals to narrow sections of the roadway in the name of pedestrian safety drew opposition from casinos and business groups concerned about traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourism periods.
City officials, however, have consistently defended the work as necessary to address long-standing safety concerns while positioning Atlantic City for future growth.
Construction is expected to take place in phases and could extend over many months, with periodic disruptions possible along the corridor. Officials say the end result will be a safer, more efficient roadway that better serves both residents and visitors.
As work begins, the project represents one of the most significant investments in Atlantic City’s core infrastructure in recent years — and a visible sign of the city’s ongoing effort to modernize beyond its casino roots.
