Government

Anatomy of a Boardwalk Replacement: Progress Very Visible in Seaside Heights

by
Daniel Nee
January 11, 2023

For the past couple of months, Shorebeat has been keeping tabs on the progress of the borough’s ongoing boardwalk replacement project.

First conceived during the summer, the replacement of the boardwalk in two areas was sent out to bid and eventually hit a snag due to the astronomical cost of wood rocketing the cost of the maintenance over budget. But prices calmed – a bit, at least – and specifications were tweaked, and the project got underway just after Thanksgiving.

Boardwalk replacement construction continues along the southern portion of the Seaside Heights boardwalk, Jan. 10, 2023. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Now into the new year, progress is especially visible in the southern portion of the project area, running from Dupont Avenue (near The Beachcomber) to Franklin Avenue (near Lucky Leo’s and Old Time Photos). The boardwalk replacement is divided into two phases here, so pedestrians can continue to enjoy the boards through construction. The contrast between the light-colored new boards and the weathered boards, replaced shortly after Superstorm Sandy struck a decade ago, is very apparent.

Boardwalk replacement construction continues along the southern portion of the Seaside Heights boardwalk, Jan. 10, 2023. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Mayor Anthony Vaz told Shorebeat last week that the project is on schedule and work will continue in the southern portion, while it is set to begin soon within the northern project area. As part of this portion, the Grant Avenue vehicle access point will be completely rebuilt, and the boardwalk around it will be replaced. Like the southern portion, the boardwalk east of the vehicle ramp will be reconstructed in two phases so that pedestrian access is available at all times north-south through the Casino Pier.