North Wildwood Moves Forward With Major Seawall Project
North Wildwood is moving forward with another major coastal protection project. And no, we’re not talking about beach replenishment. (yes, we are still crossing our fingers on one)
This time, the city is looking to extend its seawall along John F. Kennedy Boulevard between 3rd and 7th Avenues, a project that has been in the works for quite some time.
If this sounds familiar, that’s because we actually reported on this project back in July 2025, when North Wildwood submitted its application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
North Wildwood Moves Forward With Major Seawall Project
Now, more than a year later, we’re finally seeing some movement.
During its October 20 City Council meeting, North Wildwood had Resolution 240-26 on its agenda, authorizing the city to advertise for public bids for the 2nd-to-7th Avenue seawall project.
Also See: The Sad Reality of Gillian’s Wonderland — 13 Rides Still Sitting Abandoned
If you’ve walked along JFK Boulevard near 5th and 7th Avenues, you’ve probably noticed the large Z-shaped bulkhead that was installed to help protect the coastline from severe erosion.
That structure was always intended to be temporary.
As we explained in our original article, the city and state reached an agreement in 2024 following years of disagreements over emergency beach repairs, bulkheads, and dune work.
Part of that agreement required North Wildwood to address the existing bulkhead configuration.
The new project would construct a more permanent stone seawall running in a straight line between 3rd and 7th Avenues.
Plans also include improvements to the existing seawall between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Besides protecting the coastline, the extension would create another section of elevated pedestrian walkway, eventually connecting with the existing Anglesea seawall near Hereford Lighthouse.
According to previously released estimates, the project is expected to cost approximately $19 million.
Funding was planned to include $10.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, $6.5 million from New Jersey, and approximately $2 million from North Wildwood.
Of course, those numbers could change once construction bids are received.
The project has been discussed for nearly a decade, with efforts gaining urgency following the severe coastal erosion caused by Winter Storm Jonas in 2016.
When Will Construction Begin? That’s the big question.
When we first reported on this project in July 2025, the hope was that construction could begin sometime in 2026.
However, that timeline has came and gone.
Previous estimates suggested construction could take approximately 18 months, meaning the project could affect beach access during at least one summer season.
With the city now moving toward the bidding process, we should eventually get a better idea of when construction will begin.
If you want to see the latest projects taking place in the Wildwoods, check out our Youtube Video below. (and please subscribe before you watch)