ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. says the city's long-awaited road improvement projects are moving forward, with additional paving and traffic signal upgrades expected before the end of 2026.
Speaking Monday on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Small provided an extensive update on construction along Atlantic Avenue, Pacific Avenue, Baltic Avenue and several neighborhood streets, while defending his administration's handling of projects that have generated considerable public frustration.
The mayor also claimed Atlantic City has secured approximately $250 million in infrastructure improvements without imposing additional costs on local taxpayers.
"To be able to say this, that we got $250 million, a quarter billion dollars in infrastructure in Atlantic City at no cost to the taxpayer is a true win," Small said.
The figure represents the mayor's characterization of the city's broader infrastructure investments. A complete project-by-project accounting of the $250 million was not provided during the interview.
Atlantic Avenue Improvements
Small said the city has made substantial progress along Atlantic Avenue, one of its most heavily traveled roads.
"The Small administration is paving and behaving," he said, using a phrase that has become a familiar part of his administration's messaging.
The mayor described improvements extending along Atlantic Avenue from Maine Avenue to Albany Avenue, including roadway resurfacing, sidewalks, curbing, upgraded street lighting and traffic signal synchronization.
The work follows years of delays, funding challenges and complaints about deteriorating pavement.
A major phase of the Atlantic Avenue reconstruction project was previously announced at approximately $17.6 million, with funding involving federal, state and local sources.
The improvements include upgraded traffic signals, accessibility improvements and pedestrian lighting intended to make the corridor safer and more attractive to residents, visitors and businesses.
Cronick, who has frequently discussed the condition of Atlantic City's roads on his radio program, told Small that the recently completed paving has already made a noticeable difference.
"I knew there was going to be a game changer," Cronick said.
Small acknowledged that residents had been frustrated by the time it took to get the work underway.
"Look, I was pissed off that it wasn't happening when it needed to happen, but at the end of the day, an agreement is an agreement," Small said.
He added that his administration continued working with state and federal officials to move the projects forward.
Pacific Avenue Paving and Traffic Signals
The mayor also said work on Pacific Avenue remains a priority, with paving and traffic signal improvements expected to continue through the remainder of the year.
Small described plans to pave Pacific Avenue from Providence Avenue to Connecticut Avenue, with synchronized traffic signals along the corridor.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation previously announced $5.3 million in grant funding for several Atlantic City transportation projects, including Pacific Avenue resurfacing and pedestrian improvements near Atlantic City High School.
During Monday's interview, Cronick specifically asked whether Pacific Avenue paving would be completed this year.
Small answered yes.
The mayor said he had recently discussed construction near Pennsylvania Avenue with a Hard Rock employee who was concerned about road closures during the upcoming League of Municipalities conference.
When asked whether the work would be completed in time for the conference, Small said he expected it would be.
Cronick also asked when traffic signal synchronization would be completed.
"No, we are trying to get all of that done by the end of this year," Small replied when asked whether that work would extend into early 2027.
The mayor's comments establish the administration's current target, although individual construction schedules could still be affected by weather and other conditions.
Improvements Beyond the Main Corridors
Small emphasized that the city's infrastructure program extends beyond Atlantic and Pacific avenues.
He cited improvements along Baltic Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the Albany Avenue Bridge and residential streets throughout Atlantic City's six wards.
The mayor described completed work along Baltic Avenue from Maine Avenue to Missouri Avenue and additional plans extending toward Winchester Avenue.
He also pointed to improvements along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Route 30 and Mediterranean Avenue.
Small said his administration has addressed smaller neighborhood streets as well.
"And that's not counting all of the little streets that we've done from Wards 1 to 6, Maine to Jackson, and every neighborhood in between, we are getting it done," he said.
The mayor also highlighted the reconstruction of two municipal bridges in Venice Park.
"We literally tore down and rebuilt two municipal bridges in Venice Park," Small said.
He cited another $26.5 million in Boardwalk infrastructure improvements as part of the city's broader effort to modernize public facilities and attract investment.
Mayor Defends Administration's Record
Throughout the interview, Small repeatedly returned to the criticism his administration faced over road conditions and construction delays.
He suggested that public attention has shifted now that major projects are progressing.
"People are not going to have the same energy when they're being critical," Small said. "They'll find something else to talk about."
The mayor said infrastructure improvements are particularly important because they help establish the conditions necessary for additional private development.
He credited relationships with state and federal officials for helping Atlantic City secure funding and advance projects.
"Our relationship is tremendous with the state of New Jersey as we are truly partners in making Atlantic City better," Small said.
The infrastructure discussion comes as Atlantic City continues to pursue major redevelopment initiatives involving hotels, housing, entertainment facilities and other commercial properties.
For Small, the improvements represent more than smoother roads. He views them as part of a larger effort to strengthen the city's appeal to investors while improving everyday conditions for residents.
"And there's so much more things to be done," Small said.
The coming weeks will provide an important test of the administration's latest construction timetable, particularly its goal of completing Pacific Avenue paving and traffic signal synchronization before the end of the year.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. made his comments during an interview on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 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.
