Ocean City will undertake a major reconstruction of the Boardwalk between St. Charles Place and 5th Street, with work scheduled to begin in fall 2025 and finish by early spring 2026. The project replaces aging foundation pilings, installs all new decking and ramps, and adds decorative light poles the city will maintain. This section includes some of the oldest substructure on the boards, and the rebuild is intended to improve safety, consistency, and appearance as part of the city’s routine maintenance program. Primary keyword: Ocean City boardwalk reconstruction.

What’s Included in the Project

This phase covers the stretch just north of the Music Pier, running from St. Charles Place to 5th Street. City officials describe a full structural refresh: new support pilings to replace deteriorated components, brand-new decking throughout, and matching ramps that tie into the existing grade along the beachfront entrances. Decorative light poles—consistent with recent improvements—will create a unified look over adjacent segments already rebuilt in prior seasons.

Why This Segment Matters

The northern Boardwalk has some of the oldest substructure remaining. By prioritizing this run, Ocean City keeps the high-traffic promenade aligned with sections already modernized to the south. For residents and business owners near St. Charles Place, Park Place, and Brighton Place, the uniform surface and lighting will create a safer, more consistent experience for daily walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Timing & Seasonal Coordination

Work is slated for fall 2025 with completion by early spring 2026—timed to minimize peak-season impacts. Because construction coincides with the off-season, visitors can expect temporary closures and detours along the boards in the project zone. The city’s recent approach has been to stage work in sections, so access to nearby stretches remains available as crews advance block by block.

Traffic & Access Notes

●     Expect intermittent closures on the boardwalk between St. Charles Place and 5th Street while pilings and decking are replaced.

●     Ramps and beach access points in the active work areas may be temporarily closed; adjacent entrances typically remain open.

●     The city coordinates with merchants and nearby properties to maintain reasonable access where possible during off-season operations.
 These steps mirror practices used in earlier phases to limit disruption near Atlantic Avenue, the Music Pier, and family-oriented attractions between 6th and 14th Streets.

Consistency With Prior Boardwalk Upgrades

Officials noted that boardwalk rebuilds are a regular part of Ocean City’s maintenance plan. When complete, this segment is expected to match the finishes and lighting of other upgraded areas, reinforcing the signature look visitors recognize from recent projects to the south. For homeowners along the north end, a uniform, well-lit promenade supports everyday use and event operations during shoulder seasons.

Local Voice

According to the Mayor’s Office update, this corridor includes some of the oldest substructure remaining, and the goal is to improve both safety and appearance in time for the 2026 season. That message aligns with the city’s multi-year approach to keep the boardwalk structurally sound and visually consistent.

Real-Estate Context (Neutral Insight)

While this is a civic infrastructure project, boardwalk condition often influences day-to-day experience for nearby condos and single-family homes east of Atlantic Avenue. A smoother surface, improved ramps, and more consistent lighting support walkability and seasonal activity while keeping construction outside peak months. No price predictions are appropriate here, but owners should be aware of temporary off-season closures.

Micro-FAQ

●     Will the entire section close at once? Work typically advances in sections; expect rolling closures within St. Charles Place to 5th Street.

●     What about beach access? Entrances within the active work zone may close temporarily; nearby access points usually remain open.

●     When will it finish? Early spring 2026 is the stated target, weather and logistics permitting.
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Sources: City of Ocean City; OCNJ Daily.