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Motorists who travel to the beachfront by way of Asbury Avenue can expect detours in the days and weeks ahead as work to update the city’s infrastructure begins.

Work began Wednesday morning near the intersection of Asbury Avenue and Heck Street [shown above]. Asbury Avenue will be closed to all traffic from Heck Street to Kingsley Avenue for a period of three to four weeks, according to a press release issued by the city. Motorists are asked to obey all traffic detours as posted.

The scope of infrastructure work includes installation of new sanitary and storm sewer systems, relocation of overhead electrical utility lines underground, new curbs and sidewalks, re-paving and striping of roadways, planting of new street trees, and installation of benches and trash receptacles. All infrastructure work should be completed by the end of 2014, the release stated.

The work will be phased by street starting along Asbury Avenue followed by Heck Street, Sewell Avenue, Monroe Avenue and Grand Avenue. During this time period, entire streets or portions thereof may be closed to perform this work.

Initial construction work required shall be contained within the limits of the following streets:

Asbury Avenue  between Kingsley Street and Heck Street; Heck Street between Asbury Avenue and Monroe Avenue; Sewall Avenue between Grand Avenue and Heck Street; Monroe Avenue between Grand Avenue and Heck Street; Grand Avenue between Monroe Avenue and a portion of Sewell Avenue.

All detours and street closures will be closely coordinated with the Asbury Park Police Department. The proposed work will also be sequenced to limit street closures, and the impact on the neighboring community.

The work is part of master waterfront redeveloper iStar Financial’s infrastructure requirements for development within the vacant portions of the waterfront. A 28-unit townhome development is planned near the work site.

The site of the development, called “South Grand,” is located on the block bound by Grand Avenue to the west, Heck Avenue to the east, Sewall Avenue to the north and Monroe Avenue to the south. Final approval on the project is still needed from the city’s planning board. A vote is scheduled for the June 9 meeting.

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