Wildwood Boardwalk Reconstruction – Phase 3,4,5 Explained
On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Wildwoods Boardwalk Reconstruction project phases III, IV, and V, officially kicked off, spanning the stretch between Oak Avenue and Spicer Avenue.
These phases are the continuation of the other two phases that had been completed these past two years.
Wildwood Boardwalk Reconstruction – Phase 3,4,5 Explained
Phase 1, undertaken in 2021, covered the segment from Oak to Maple Avenues, and Phase 2, completed this year, extended from Maple to 26th Street.
This left sections south of Oak Avenue to Cresse Avenue to be next on the chopping block for the Reconstruction project.
It is to be noted though that there is no scheduled reconstruction project slated for the boardwalk North of 26th Street. That section sits in North Wildwood which would have to apply for these grants in order to fix or replace their boardwalk.
Back in August New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the The Boardwalk Preservation Fund grant program. This program was created to help preserve boardwalks in the state. The state set $100 million in the fund for cities to complete an application.
There is no word on if North Wildwood completed such an application.
These next phases will be similar to the first two with the same outcome but the processes are a bit different. Here’s a breakdown of these phases:
Phase III involves the rehabilitation of the boardwalk from Oak Avenue to Schellenger Avenue. This section of the boardwalk is a newer section from 2015. This phase entails the careful removal of the existing IPE decking to expose the glulam framing beneath.
The glulam stringers and girders, showing signs of wood rot, will undergo necessary timber repairs. There is no concrete pads in this area so this is the easier of the three phases.
Phase IV focuses on the Cedar Avenue Connector section of the boardwalk running East to West.
This phase includes the complete demolition and removal of the existing boardwalk and substructure, paving the way for the construction of a new boardwalk.
Additionally, it encompasses the partial removal of the cantilevered concrete slab on the north side of the boardwalk and the removal of two existing light poles.
Phase IV also includes the addition of new amenities, such as an eye-catching archway sign, railings, perforated metal fencing, bike racks, light poles, and more, contributing to a modernized boardwalk experience.
There are no public plans for the arch design at this time.
Phase V brings us full circle, as it mirrors the processes undertaken in the initial phases, specifically phases I and II. This involves the meticulous removal of the concrete tram pads, the necessary structural fixes, and the application of a fresh wood surface.
During the construction process, access to these sections of the boardwalk will be completely closed off. None of the businesses in that area will be open during construction and beach access will be closed off.
Those who are looking to take a walk on the boardwalk will have to exit the boardwalk at Spencer Avenue and return on Wildwood Ave.
While this might make for some inconvenience this off-season, come May 2024, the boardwalk will be open and will be beautiful.
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The Wildwood Video Archive was on deck to film a reconstruction video when crews started working on the project.
You can watch the video below. Before you watch please consider subscribing to our Youtube channel.