WILMINGTON — Wilmington is set to spring into a busy summer with some big street projects.

After project delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Wilmington Safety/Service Director Brian Shidaker is looking forward to getting into the full swing of projects in 2021.

Documents provided to the News Journal show that 22 streets will be paved and over 40 streets will be getting cracks sealed.

Streets getting full paving include Seminole Way, Regal Drive, Booth Avenue, Washington Avenue, Thorne Avenue, Kay Drive, Michigan Drive, A Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the Water Treatment Plant; 25 streets will be getting complete crack sealing.

The city already has a contract with Fillmore Construction. Other associates with the project began their walkthroughs this week to see where repairs need to be made, and what sections need full-depth repair or curb work.

Shidaker told the News Journal they were able to complete half of the paving last year during the pandemic.

“This year’s residential paving project is estimated to cost $1.6 million,” he said. “Those funds are actually encumbered from last year.”

Rombach on target

As for the long-awaited Rombach Avenue project, Shidaker said it “absolutely” is still on track. And he reiterated that the initially planned controversial street medians are not included in the plan.

Phase 1 of the massive street project was postponed in April 2020, but it is now slated to begin on June 15.

The project — funded through a combination of federal and state money — will result in the repaving of nearly three miles of Rombach Avenue and East Side Drive, construction of nearly 100 feet of new sidewalk, new traffic signals installed, and improving crosswalks throughout the corridor.

Among the other projects occurring the next two years include the bridge replacement in Sugar Grove Cemetery, improvements on Mulberry Street, the Clarksville Connector Trail, and the South Street Safety Improvements.

“This summer will probably be the busiest construction season we’ve ever seen in Wilmington,” said Shidaker. “There will be more infrastructure and more construction than we’ve ever had.”

The News Journal will continue to provide updates leading up to, and through completion of, the Rombach project.

Wilmington officials along with consultants and contractors walk through Regal Drive, one of the many streets where they plan on doing repairs for their massive street project for the year.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/03/web1_DSC_0915.jpgWilmington officials along with consultants and contractors walk through Regal Drive, one of the many streets where they plan on doing repairs for their massive street project for the year. John Hamilton | News Journal

This document lists the progress of City of Wilmington projects from late 2020 through 2021 and beyond.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/03/web1_city-project-plans-now-and-future.jpgThis document lists the progress of City of Wilmington projects from late 2020 through 2021 and beyond. John Hamilton | News Journal

From left, Mayor John Stanforth, Fillmore Construction Operations Manager Fred Cox, and Streets Superintendent Jerry Runk inspect Regal Drive during a walkthrough on all the streets that will be repaired in the city’s 2021 improvement project.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2021/03/web1_DSC_0936.jpgFrom left, Mayor John Stanforth, Fillmore Construction Operations Manager Fred Cox, and Streets Superintendent Jerry Runk inspect Regal Drive during a walkthrough on all the streets that will be repaired in the city’s 2021 improvement project. John Hamilton | News Journal