As we continue to follow the project to replace portions of the Seaside Heights boardwalk, it appears a milestone has been reached. While some finishing touches are still due, the southern end of the boardwalk has fully reopened with a new timber surface, with-to-width.
The southern portion of the project replaced the boards between Dupont and Franklin avenues. During construction, which began in December, half the boardwalk was closed at a given time as crews worked on the opposite side in order to maintain pedestrian access. Now, both sides are open and visitors can check out the fresh boards.
The boardwalk timber was last replaced during the winter of 2013, following Superstorm Sandy which rolled ashore, destroying much of the boardwalk, in Oct. 2012.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the two-part maintenance project is getting underway a few blocks to the north.
At Grant Avenue, crews have cordoned off the street-end as a base, where they will begin to build a new vehicular access ramp. The ramp is one of several access points, but serves as the primary vehicular entrance. It’s also feet away from Casino Pier, and provides ready access to the concrete ramp that leads to the area behind the large beach stage where summer concerts and shows are held.
Though the project will not cover as much area as the southern portion, the northern project will also replace timber in and around the ramp area. As of this week, about half of the width of the boardwalk has been fenced off between Grant Avenue and Blaine Avenue, which is located one block south.
The $1,103,500 project is expected to be fully completed by the end of February, depending on weather. We’ll continue to post periodic updates along the way.