Wildwood Boardwalk Reconstruction Update – Late Nov 2024
Thanks to the warm, dry weather South Jersey has experienced over the past two months, the Wildwood Boardwalk Reconstruction Project is moving ahead at an impressive pace.
This week, the Wildwood Video Archive visited the construction site to capture the latest updates. You can find our update video at the bottom of this article.
Wildwood Boardwalk Reconstruction Update – Late Nov 2024
The Wildwood Boardwalk Reconstruction project is on their 6th phases of a multiyear project.
This current phase consists over replacing and repairing the boardwalk section between Spicer and Montgomery Avenue.
This phase follows exactly the same process that had been seen in phases I, II and V.
Over the past month, crews had been cutting away the tramcar pads, removing the old timbers, repairing the existing concrete structure and are now on their way to installing new boards.
In our latest visit you can see the concrete slabs laying on the beach as they await to be hauled off the beach.
Just sitting beside it are the new cumaru, which is a Brazilian wood, which will be the top layer of the boardwalk.
Reconstruction Process
Fred M. Schiavone Construction, Inc., which has managed previous phases of the project, is applying a well-honed process to ensure efficient progress.
Here’s how the reconstruction unfolds:
- Removing Old Planks and Tramcar Pathways Crews begin by tearing out aged wooden planks and the concrete tramcar pathways. While the planks are replaced, the tramcar paths are completely removed and will not return.
- Refurbishing Support Beams Beneath the decking, the original support beams—worn from decades of use—are either refurbished or replaced to restore structural integrity
Reinforcing Concrete Pilings
Any cracks or damage to the concrete pilings, which provide foundational support, are repaired. Some pilings are replaced as needed to ensure stability.- Installing New Joists Once the pilings are ready, new joists—horizontal supports for the decking—are installed. These joists use high-grade, pressure-treated wood or composite materials for durability.
- Laying New Decking The final step involves laying fresh decking boards. The top layer is made of cumaru, a durable Brazilian hardwood, which will match the aesthetic and quality of previous phases.
Before installing the cumaru, crews smooth the surface of the concrete structure to ensure proper alignment. The first wooden layer is laid horizontally (east to west), while the cumaru layer follows the same pattern.
Current Progress
As of now, the top decking layer is being installed at Spicer Avenue, with work continuing southward toward Montgomery Avenue. Based on the rapid progress, this phase may be completed well ahead of the scheduled May 9th deadline.
In addition to the boardwalk repair, new lights, railings, and steps will also be installed, further enhancing the overall experience.
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