As work begins on Atlantic and Pacific avenues, Mayor Marty Small outlines improvements designed to change how motorists and pedestrians travel through the city.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Atlantic City's long-awaited paving projects are about more than smoother roads.
As construction begins Monday on Atlantic and Pacific avenues, Mayor Marty Small says the improvements will also include synchronized traffic signals, new sidewalks and upgraded street lighting.
During a Friday interview on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND, Small discussed the additional improvements planned for two of the city's busiest roadways.
"More importantly, in addition to the paving, particularly on Atlantic Avenue, it is new sidewalks up and down Atlantic Avenue," Small said, adding that both sides of the street need improvements.
He also highlighted the installation of new lighting and plans to synchronize traffic signals along Atlantic and Pacific avenues.
What Synchronized Traffic Signals Could Mean for Drivers
One of the most significant changes planned for Atlantic City involves coordinating traffic signals along its two main thoroughfares.
The goal is to improve traffic flow by coordinating signal timing so vehicles can move through successive intersections with fewer unnecessary stops.
The city's Pacific Avenue Signal Optimization Project includes plans to synchronize 35 traffic signals along the corridor.
The project involves installing fiber-optic cable to support the coordinated signal system.
During Friday's interview, Cronick asked Small whether the synchronized traffic signals could eventually be extended beyond Albany Avenue into the neighboring communities of Ventnor and Margate.
Small said no such discussions are currently underway.
"There's no discussion about that, so we want to get through this first," the mayor said.
For now, the city's focus remains on completing the Atlantic and Pacific avenue improvements.
Sidewalks, Lighting and Pedestrian Safety
Atlantic Avenue's improvement project also includes new pedestrian infrastructure.
The planned upgrades include enhanced lighting, high-visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps and additional streetscape improvements.
The project also includes traffic signal synchronization and surveillance cameras.
The improvements are intended to make the corridor safer and more accessible for motorists and pedestrians while supporting economic activity along Atlantic Avenue.
How Are the Projects Being Funded?
During Friday's interview, Small explained that Pacific Avenue's paving and traffic signal synchronization are being funded through different programs.
He said the traffic signal work was included in the federal RAISE grant, while the city secured funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the paving.
"Pacific was a part of the RAISE grant as well, but that was for synchronization only," Small said. "We got these funds from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to do those phases of Pacific Avenue."
In October 2025, the city announced approximately $5.3 million in state and federal transportation funding for several infrastructure projects.
That included $1.08 million for Pacific Avenue paving from Connecticut to North Carolina avenues and $3.5 million for paving from North Carolina to Indiana avenues and Hartford to Arkansas Avenue.
An additional $684,708 was designated for new pedestrian sidewalks connecting Atlantic City High School and Chelsea Heights.
Construction Begins Monday
Atlantic Avenue paving is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, with overnight work planned during the week.
Pacific Avenue paving will begin the same day, with construction scheduled during daytime hours.
Both projects are expected to be completed before the end of 2026, although the schedule remains dependent on weather and construction conditions.
Small said the city intends to finish the work before considering additional traffic signal improvements beyond Atlantic City's borders.
For residents and visitors, the completion of the projects is expected to bring smoother roads, improved pedestrian infrastructure and more coordinated traffic signals along two of the city's main transportation corridors.
Mayor Marty Small appeared on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND. The program airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
