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Motorists venturing down to the Asbury Park waterfront this weekend were met with a slight shift in vehicular traffic along Kingsley Avenue.

Instead of the normal through traffic they were stalled by an enclosed fenced in area that included large cylindrical storm drains, yellow bulldozers and cranes.

The road closure, between First and Third avenues is expected to last until mid-May, municipal officials announced on their website.

Burke Construction of Ocean Township is heading the project on behalf of iStar’s Waterfront Redevelopment project.

The work will include the storm drain improvements, underground power lines, curb and sidewalk improvements as well as the planting of trees and road pavement, said Joe Uzzolino of Burke Construction.

The detour is a bit of challenge but will result in a welcomed improvement, said James Watt, an architect and partner in Asbury businesses Porta and Brickwall Tavern. Porta sits between the First and Second Avenue intersections along Kingsley.

“The underground power lines, street beautification, and the new streets and sidewalks will benefit everyone,” Watt said. “I’m excited about that.”

Watt said, with the help of city officials and iStar, they focused on placing signs throughout the area to help patrons in find parking and restaurant’s entrance.

“I think we’re making the best out of a challenging situation,” Watt said.

The Italian eatery and weekend dance club is providing free valet parking at the First Avenue intersection Friday and Saturday evenings as well as during its popular Sunday brunch. They are also running a 10 percent meal discount Monday through Thursdays, Watt said.

While Kingsley Avenue will remain closed from First to Third Avenue, the intersections at First and Third Avenues will remain open. The Second Avenue intersection will be blocked to traffic but parking on both sides of the roadway will remain accessible to motorists.

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