Ocean City Infrastructure Projects Improve Flood Protection and Evacuation Routes Ahead of Summer

In a capital address delivered on May 22, 2026, Jay A. Gillian announced the completion of several major infrastructure projects designed to improve flood protection, strengthen emergency evacuation routes, and prepare the island for the busy summer season.

The city’s recent work focused heavily on raising road elevations and upgrading critical utilities in flood-prone areas across the island.

Road Elevation Projects Completed on Key Corridors

Some of the most important improvements were completed along Roosevelt Boulevard and the 34th Street corridor, two major routes used by residents and visitors entering and leaving the island.

By elevating these roadways, the city aims to reduce nuisance flooding during high tides and minor coastal storms while helping emergency evacuation routes remain accessible during severe weather events.

To finalize the project, Ocean City scheduled an advanced laser topography survey before sunrise on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The overnight timing was selected to reduce traffic impacts, though drivers may still experience brief delays while crews complete the survey work along Roosevelt Boulevard and 34th Street.

Sewer and Utility Improvements Continue Across the Island

In addition to roadway improvements, several utility projects are either complete or temporarily paused for the summer tourism season.

The emergency sewer main replacement beneath West Avenue at 31st Street is now operational. Final asphalt paving will resume after Labor Day to avoid disrupting peak summer traffic.

At the same time, utility crews have paused pipeline replacement work in the Gardens neighborhood until the fall, when repaving operations will continue.

Meanwhile, residents in the Merion Park neighborhood can expect a two-to-three-week repaving project to begin shortly after Memorial Day. The work will address side streets impacted by earlier utility construction.

New Stormwater Pumping Station Planned

Looking ahead, the Ocean City Council has authorized public bidding for a new neighborhood stormwater pumping station designed to serve the drainage basin between 18th and 26th streets.

The future pumping station is part of the city’s broader long-term flood mitigation strategy and reflects continued investment in protecting low-lying residential neighborhoods from roadway flooding and stormwater backup issues.

What These Infrastructure Projects Mean for Ocean City Homeowners

For homeowners and real estate investors, these infrastructure upgrades provide more than short-term convenience. Road elevation projects, stormwater improvements, and utility modernization all contribute to stronger long-term property stability and neighborhood accessibility.

Improved flood mitigation can help reduce roadway flooding, preserve access during storms, and support overall buyer confidence across the island’s housing market.

“Ocean City has a balance you don’t find everywhere, it’s family-friendly, but it also works for investors,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “That mix keeps demand steady year after year.”

Projects affecting areas such as West Avenue, Merion Park, and the lower-numbered streets may also help strengthen long-term property values by improving accessibility and stormwater management infrastructure.

If you would like to learn how Ocean City’s latest infrastructure projects could impact your property value, flood risk, or seasonal rental accessibility, visit the Lexy Realty Group Contact Page to connect with our team.

Sources: Ocean City Mayor’s Office; Ocean City Finance Department