Mayor Small Helps Accelerate Adjusted Atlantic Avenue Paving Schedule

What could have become a 2027 paving project will now move forward this fall after Mayor Marty Small, Sr. successfully pushed contractors to accelerate construction on the final phase of the Atlantic Avenue Improvement Project.

Contractors had planned to postpone the milling and paving of Atlantic Avenue from Tennessee Avenue to Albany Avenue until next year as the result of unforseen delays, as additional underground utility work and project enhancements continued. Instead, at Mayor Small's urging, crews will be reassigned from other projects to keep construction moving, allowing paving to take place this fall and the project to be completed this year.

The announcement adds to Atlantic City's ongoing infrastructure renaissance, where more than $250 million is currently being invested in projects that are modernizing roads, utilities, public spaces, and neighborhood corridors. Together, these improvements are making Atlantic City safer, more connected, and increasingly attractive for residents, businesses, developers, and visitors.

It was announced in April that the paving schedule would begin this summer. As construction progressed, however, project refinements like enhanced lighting upgrades developed through an agreement with Atlantic City Electric, where the utility company will own, operate, and maintain the corridor's lighting system. The partnership not only enhances lighting throughout Atlantic Avenue but is also expected to generate long-term savings for Atlantic City taxpayers.

Mayor Small said ensuring the project is completed correctly has remained the priority from the very beginning:

"To the residents, businesses, and visitors of Atlantic City, I wholeheartedly apologize that this project has taken as long as it has, but I am doing something about it," said Mayor Small. "It would not be responsible to begin tearing up Atlantic Avenue until all of the necessary underground utility work is complete. However, I can assure you that from this point forward, you are going to see significant progress as we move toward completion. Atlantic Avenue was in horrific condition long before I became mayor, and that will change this year under my watch. I understand how much this project means to Atlantic City's future and am committed to seeing it through."

City Engineering Director Uzo Ahiarakwe said the project reflects Mayor Small's continued focus on improving public safety and quality of life while delivering long-term infrastructure improvements.

"Mayor Small has consistently made public safety and quality of life top priorities, and the reconstruction of Atlantic Avenue directly supports both," said Ahiarakwe. "Behind the scenes, he has done everything possible to keep this project moving despite the many challenges and unforeseen issues that have arisen throughout the process. With the remaining utility work progressing, we are confident the project will continue advancing smoothly through the remainder of the year."

Addtional improvements under this project include synchronized traffic signals, enhanced street lighting, surveillance cameras, ADA-accessible sidewalks and curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, and streetscape enhancements that will improve safety, mobility, accessibility, and the corridor's overall appearance.

As paving begins this fall, residents will begin seeing the most visible stage of a project that has been years in the making. The completion of Atlantic Avenue will not only improve one of the city's busiest corridors but will also stand as another example of Atlantic City's continued momentum and commitment to building a city where people want to live, work, visit, and invest.

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PHOTOS by City of Atlantic City Photographer Edward Lea

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