Ventnor boardwalk rebuild: what Phase 1 means for 2026

Ventnor’s boardwalk reconstruction is no longer “coming soon.” Phase 1 is actively underway, with multiple crews working through winter on a full rebuild between Cambridge and Suffolk Avenues. The city is funding this first segment with a $7 million Boardwalk Preservation Act grant, and the stated target is reopening by Memorial Day 2026.

If you live in Ventnor year-round, or you own a second home you rely on for summer weekends, boardwalk work is a quality-of-life issue. It affects walking routes, beach access patterns, and that everyday “Ventnor rhythm” that makes the town feel like itself.

What’s happening in Phase 1

Based on the project update, the work includes:

• Removing old pilings and addressing sand buildup beneath the boardwalk

• Installing new pilings, support caps, and joists

• Adding or updating street ramps, railings, and lighting

• Transitioning to a decking phase (IPE wood planks) as the build progresses

One detail that matters more than it sounds: excavating sand buildup to improve stormwater runoff from Atlantic Avenue to the ocean. Drainage and under-structure conditions are the kinds of “invisible” issues that drive maintenance costs and post-storm damage..

Why winter boardwalk construction is strategic

In shore towns, the off-season is the window where infrastructure work is most feasible. The goal is typically to absorb the mess when foot traffic is lower, and then restore access for the season that matters most to residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Ventnor’s plan explicitly follows that logic: Phase 1 works through the winter/spring to reopen by Memorial Day, then construction pauses for summer, with Phase 2 planned to resume after Labor Day 2026.

What happens after Phase 1

Ventnor’s outline includes:

• Phase 2 after Labor Day 2026 (north section from Surrey to Jackson Avenues)

• A final segment (from the Fishing Pier south to Martindale Ave.) that is not yet funded

For residents and homeowners, this matters because it sets expectations: even if Phase 1 is complete for summer, the “multi-season” nature of a rebuild can continue to shape planning decisions for the next year or two.

How to think about the project if you’re a homeowner

Not every infrastructure project “raises property values” in a simple way. But it does affect:

• Walkability and daily experience (especially for year-round residents)

• Summer perception for renters and visitors (which can influence repeat bookings)

• Town confidence: people pay attention when a town invests in core assets

• Resilience: structural modernization can reduce the risk of repeated emergency repairs after storms

A boardwalk is also a brand asset for a shore town. When it’s worn down, it subtly changes how people feel about the place. When it’s maintained well, it reinforces pride and comfort.

Local agent perspective (real estate context only)

As a local agent, I see boardwalk and beach-adjacent infrastructure as part of the “quiet value stack” in Ventnor. Buyers might not ask about joists and pilings, but they absolutely notice whether a town maintains the spaces people actually use. Projects like this tend to matter most to the buyers who plan to hold long-term, rent selectively, and treat their Ventnor place as a real part of their life, not a disposable vacation stop.

Micro-FAQ

Will the boardwalk be open for summer 2026?

The update indicates Phase 1 is on schedule to reopen by Memorial Day 2026, with work pausing during the summer.

Why does Ventnor use a phased approach?

Because it allows construction during the off-season and preserves public access during peak summer months.

What’s the biggest “watch item” after Phase 1?

Funding and timing for the final unfunded segment, plus how Phase 2 scheduling is communicated after Labor Day 2026.