SALISBURY -- The State Highway Administration (SHA) this week started a two-year stormwater project to improve drainage along Route 13 Business (North Salisbury Boulevard) from East Church Street to east of London Street and in the Newtown neighborhood of Salisbury.  

The $5.3 million project will improve drainage and eliminate flooding along a one-half mile section of Route 13 and on Isabella Street, Park Avenue and William Street. By improving and adding underground drainage pipes, runoff will be more efficiently moved off of the road to prevent ponding and flooding. The project should be complete summer 2014.

The system will also enhance water quality of runoff before entering the Wicomico River.  SHA will begin the work by installing a new bulkhead and stormwater outfall at the headwaters of the Wicomico River south of West Isabella Street, immediately south of Johnson Pond.  Drainage pipes will then be installed along Park Avenue, West Isabella Street and on to Route 13-Business.

Access to residences and businesses will remain open throughout the temporary street closure. Motor vehicle access to residents and businesses located on West Isabella Street, west of the railroad tracks at Mill Street, will travel from Lake Street and West Isabella Street. Motor vehicle access to residences located on West Isabella Street, east of the railroad tracks at Mill Street, will travel from North Division Street and West Isabella Street.