Dear Friends,
Our rainy weather is expected to continue into the weekend, and the National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from 9 a.m. tonight until two in the morning. Our next high tide comes at 11:39 p.m., and forecasters predict minor tidal flooding. Heavy rain at the time of high tide could make conditions worse. I want to encourage everybody to err on the side of caution and move vehicles from streets that typically experience flooding well in advance of this late-night high tide. See our latest weather statement for more information.
The rain this week came at a time when contractors across the island are pushing to complete concrete work, a precursor to many of the scheduled paving jobs. I want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we work to close out projects in advance of the season.
One project that will continue into the summer will be the north end drainage project. Crews will complete work on the 500 block of West Avenue and on Fifth Street and Sixth Street while the adjacent Ocean City Primary School is out of session. Trenches on other streets in the project area will be restored for the summer, but final paving will not occur until after the season.
The final paving of 34th Street from Bay Avenue to West Avenue was interrupted by the rain. Completion of the westbound lanes is now tentatively scheduled for Monday or Tuesday. Access to 34th Street Bridge from Bay Avenue will remain open at all times.
The West 17th Street Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday (May 22) as crews set the final section of the new bridge in place. Pedestrian access will remain open, but all residents should move vehicles to the other side of the bridge in advance of the bridge closing, if they will be needed during the day. Parking will be limited between Bay Avenue and the bridge on W. 17th Street.
Today is the final day of National Police Week. I hope you’ll all take a moment to recognize the sacrifices and service of all our officers. We’re fortunate to have one of the finest departments in the region.
We are hoping for good weather to finish out our road projects and get ready for the upcoming season.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
