MARGATE – The city has posted new schematics for the proposed Washington Avenue streetscape improvement project designed to connect the Central Business District with the Waterfront Special Marina District. The city held a public hearing on the project in March and revised the plan after hearing comments from the public.
The new plan eliminates a two-way bicycle path and makes it one way toward Amherst Avenue to match the new vehicle traffic pattern.
The plan changes the vehicle traffic pattern – currently a two-way street from Ventnor to Amherst Avenue – into a one way street heading from Atlantic Avenue to Amherst Avenue. The new one-way traffic pattern will reduce turning movements and potential conflict points with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians on Washington Avenue to improve safety, officials stated.
The cartway will include a one-way bicycle path on the north (Ventnor) side of the street, painted green like the one on Atlantic Avenue. The plan maintains all parallel parking spaces on both sides of the street and will not impact the flow of traffic on other streets, according to city engineer Ed Dennis Jr. of Remington & Vernick.
Pedestrian improvements include bump-outs at several intersections that will calm traffic and shorten the walking distance between the two sides of the street. Flexible bollards will be located on the corners to provide a visual reminder for motorists to watch out for pedestrians. The crosswalks and sidewalks will be paved with brick pavers. Concrete curb ramps, curbs and gutters will be upgraded before the roadway is repaved. The paving portion of the project includes water, sanitary sewer and stormwater drainage system improvements.
A feature of the new streetscape will be 47 new street trees installed in the governor’s strip, but without tree grates, which can cause damage to tree roots. Current species recommended is the honey locust, which are the same trees planted in front of Historic City Hall at 1 S. Washington Ave.
Dennis said public input on the plan resulted in changes, which made it a better plan.
The $3.5 million project is being funded in part with $1.6 million in grants from the NJ Department of Transportation and federal government. Grant funds include $162,000 from the DOT’s Safe Routes to Transit grant program, and $1.5 million from the competitive federal Transportation Alternatives Set Aside program. The city will go out to bid this summer with construction starting in fall. It is expected to be completed by spring 2026.
The city also posted a web form where interested parties can submit questions. See https://www.margate-nj.com/home/webforms/contact-us, or call 609-822-2605.
See the updated plans here...
www.margate-nj.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif846/f/uploads/0116u190_-_color_concept_6.30.2025.pdf
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