The event was held at Swantner park and included City Manager Peter Zanoni, Mayor Joe McComb, council members, and Public Works Director Richard Martinez. Bay Ltd and HAAS Anderson Construction, contractors for the project were also on hand.
During the groundbreaking, Zanoni shared that the history of Ocean Drive began in 1904 more than a century ago. Currently the corridor accommodates between 35,000 and 40,000 cars per day. Councilman Greg Smith spoke about the funding for this project, and how it was able to be identified through various funding sources, including the Type B Board, interest appropriations from prior general obligation bonds, general funds reserves, and utilities.
The $12.8-million project includes three sections of roadway:
IH-37 to Lomax Street (Formerly William Street)
Shoreline from IH-37 to Lomax Street (approx. 1.2 miles) will be rehabilitated. The project scope includes a mill and overlay with pavement markings, bike lanes, signage, and pedestrian crosswalks.Lomax Street to Louisiana Avenue
The limits of Shoreline Drive from Lomax to Louisiana (approx. three miles) are currently in good condition and will undergo a beautification process. This section of roadway was reconstructed under the Bond 2008 and Bond 2012 program in 2016 and 2018, respectively.Louisiana Avenue to Ennis Joslin Road
The project scope of improvements includes the structural mill and overlay of Ocean Drive from Louisiana Avenue to Ennis Joslin Road (approx. 10.5 miles). This work includes traffic control, pavement markings, bike lanes, and new signage. In addition to surface improvements, it also includes a full depth pavement repair and minor utility adjustments.The project will continue until August of 2021.
