Wildwood Boardwalk Reconstruction Video Update – Phase 6
As we roll into Fall here in the Wildwoods, a familiar sound is starting back up, the deconstruction of the Wildwood Boardwalk.
For the past several years Wildwood has been moving swiftly into repairing and replacing large sections of the Wildwood Boardwalk. It’s the hope of the City to keep moving forward every off-season until the entire length of the Wildwood Boardwalk is like new.
Back on October 7th, Fred M. Schiavone Construction, Inc and their crews got underway on Phase 6 of the project.
In Phase VI crews will be working on the stretch from Spicer Avenue to Montgomery Avenue.
This phase will be done in the same way that Phases I, II and V were done.
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by back on October 15th to film not only an update on the boardwalk but also a video to explain how the project is done. You can watch that video at the bottom of this article.
Key upgrades in Phase VI include:
Timber Replacement: Removal and replacement of worn timber sections, bringing new life to the boardwalk’s classic look.
Enhanced Safety Features: New, upgraded railings and modern lighting for a safer, more enjoyable experience at all hours.
Concrete Trolley Slab Removal: Taking out old concrete trolley slabs to make way for a smoother, more accessible boardwalk.
Structural Repairs: Repairing the concrete substructure to support our new additions and ensure lasting durability.
New Timber Staircases: Reconstructing timber outcrops and adding new stairs for easier access along the boardwalk.
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How the Reconstruction Process Works
Crews undertake a structured, multi-step process to revitalize the boardwalk, replacing old components while retaining its iconic appeal. Here’s an outline of the steps involved:
- Removing Old Planks & Concrete Tram Pathways
The process begins by tearing up the aged, worn-out wooden planks. Many sections are outdated and require replacement with more durable materials. Crews remove the top surface to expose the underlying support structures, while the concrete tramcar pathways are completely removed and will not be replaced. - Dismantling/Fixing Old Support Beams
Beneath the decking, the original support beams hold the boardwalk above the sand. These beams, worn from decades of exposure, are carefully refurbished or removed in sections along with the old decking. - Preparing New Concrete Pilings
A crucial part of the upgrade is reinforcing the concrete pilings that provide foundational support. Over the years, some pilings have sustained damage, so crews repair any cracks and replace compromised sections. - Laying New Joists
Once the pilings are prepared, new joists—horizontal supports for the decking—are installed. These are crafted from high-grade, pressure-treated wood or composite materials to ensure long-lasting durability. - Installing New Decking
Finally, crews lay fresh decking boards that match the updated layout from previous phases. The new decking integrates seamlessly with other modernized sections of the boardwalk.
In the video below we break down how all of this works and we put the the seagull in the sky to bring you a bird’s point of view of the project.
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