Ventnor’s long-anticipated boardwalk reconstruction is well underway, marking significant progress on a major infrastructure upgrade between Suffolk and Cambridge Avenues. Crews began Phase 1 on November 3, 2025, cutting the aging 60-year-old boardwalk into large sections and lifting out deteriorated timbers to prepare the site for a full rebuild.

Contractors have faced challenges extracting the old pilings. Many of the exposed tops have rotted over time, making them difficult to grip and remove. Despite these complications, work continues at a steady pace as machinery clears debris and crews install the foundation for new structural components.

This phase includes all-new pilings, decking, ramps, railings, pavilions, and lighting—an end-to-end upgrade designed to improve safety and durability. The city secured a $7.1 million state grant for the project and awarded an $8.4 million contract to Fred M. Schiavone Construction to complete the reconstruction.

To ensure safety, officials have temporarily closed the boardwalk from Surrey Avenue to the Ventnor Fishing Pier. After a few incidents involving residents bypassing barricades, the city reiterated the importance of staying clear of the work zone until construction wraps.

Timeline and What Comes Next

Ventnor’s construction crews are operating ten-hour days, five days a week through mid-May 2026. Work will pause during the summer months to avoid interference with seasonal foot traffic and then resume in fall 2026 for Phase 2, which will extend the rebuild from Cambridge to Jackson Avenues.

Why Ventnor Residents Are Watching Closely

Public Works Commissioner Lance Landgraf emphasized that temporary inconvenience will lead to long-term improvement. As he noted, the community is “bearing the inconvenience” now to secure a safer, stronger boardwalk for the future—a sentiment shared by many residents who use the boardwalk daily for walking, running, and recreation.

Sources

Sources: Downbeach BUZZ

Walkers, cyclists, and families rely on the Ventnor boardwalk year-round. Seeing the old timbers lifted away is a reminder of how much this space has weathered over the decades—and how meaningful it is to the community. The rebuild signals a fresh chapter for a familiar landmark.

Why It Matters

For residents and second homeowners, a fully rebuilt boardwalk supports safer recreation, smoother mobility, and a more enjoyable shoreline experience. Upgraded lighting and ramps also improve accessibility for both locals and visitors.

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