Beach Street reopening
After a year of watching and waiting, the Beach Street reconstruction project, called “Phase 2” by the city was opened to traffic. With more than 100 in attendance, including state and city officials as well as many residents, one of the city’s main arteries was again available to traffic.
More than a decade in the making, Beach Street became a concern following two major storms, Tropical Storm Irene and Superstorm Sandy hit the coast in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Following severe flooding that washed out the road as well as exposing sewer and water lines below the surface, the idea to raise the height of the roadway was discussed.
Two areas were particularly problematic. The area from First Avenue toward the Water Pollution Control plant was prone to flooding after major storms. Many times, the section was closed to traffic because of flooding. That area was raised in a Phase 1 project and is now several feet above where it was originally. This has been successful. Getting Phase 2 off the ground was a bit more problematic.
Like many things that have to do with such projects, getting the wheels of government to turn faster is a complicated process. Money was allocated, but the project never seemed to get off the ground. Finally, it began last year. This was a larger area to cover, from Sandy Point to Morse Avenue.
This area was prone to flooding and the exposure of the below-ground infrastructure a decade ago made the delays more concerning. The city was one storm away from a breach of water and sewer lines.
The June 1 ceremony put all the worries to rest. The new roadway boasts not only a new height, but safety structures like “speed humps” to control motorists during the long stretch. The bike/walk path has been redone and extended to Monahan Place/First Avenue, and new lighting and improvements have been made at the April Street boat ramp. A side note: motorcyclists used to enter the city from this area in clusters, creating a noise problem. These new speed humps might be a blessing for the area residents.
Mayor Dorinda Borer announced other improvements would be forthcoming. Meanwhile, a developer is now able to complete the construction of a restaurant in the area where Chick’s Drive-in once stood. The project, which includes four condominium buildings, will now move toward completion with the restaurant.
It is hoped the opening of the thoroughfare will prod the sale of another piece of property in need of rehabilitation, the former Debonair Motel. Once that tract is improved or developed, Beach Street will be a fine gateway to the city’s shoreline.
In what has become her trademark when it comes to such events, Mayor Borer did not forget those who came before her. She invited both former Mayors Nancy Rossi and Edward O’Brien to share in the festivities. Indeed, Rossi was invited to the recent “topping off” at the new Washington School.
It was a long time in coming. Beach Street is now open to traffic, and a decade-plus project is, finally, off the boards.