North Wildwood to Rebuild Two Boardwalk Sections at Same Time

NORTH WILDWOOD — North Wildwood is preparing for another major offseason transformation of its Boardwalk, with two separate sections expected to be reconstructed simultaneously beginning next month.

Work is scheduled to begin Oct. 5 on both the northern and southern ends of North Wildwood's portion of the Boardwalk, with the city targeting completion around Easter 2027, according to plans confirmed by North Wildwood officials to Wildwood Video Archive.

One project will continue reconstruction on the southern end, covering approximately 23rd Avenue to midway between 24th and 25th avenues.

At the same time, another project will begin around 16th Avenue on the northern end of the Boardwalk.

The city has not yet determined exactly how far the northern project will extend. That will depend on how much can be reconstructed while still allowing crews to complete the work and reopen the Boardwalk on schedule.

The simultaneous construction marks the latest phase of North Wildwood's multiyear effort to rebuild its aging Boardwalk.

More Than New Boards

The work involves significantly more than replacing the wooden walking surface.

During last offseason's project, sections of the Boardwalk were removed down to the sand, allowing crews to install new pilings and supporting structures and address infrastructure before rebuilding the Boardwalk above them.

North Wildwood began that phase in September 2025, reconstructing the Boardwalk from approximately mid-block at 24th Avenue through 26th Avenue.

The city said at the time that the project would replace both the existing Boardwalk and utilities in that area. Work was scheduled to be completed by early April 2026.

The upcoming southern project will continue reconstruction into the adjoining section.

$10.3 Million State Grant Funding Major Work

A significant portion of North Wildwood's Boardwalk reconstruction is being supported by New Jersey's Boardwalk Preservation Fund.

North Wildwood received $10,259,827, the third-largest award among the 18 municipalities that received money through the $100 million state program.

Only Atlantic City and Asbury Park, which each received $20 million, received larger awards.

When the funding was announced, Mayor Patrick Rosenello said the award would be critical to financing the city's Boardwalk rehabilitation project.

The money also comes with a deadline.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs requires municipalities receiving Boardwalk Preservation Fund grants to spend the money by Dec. 31, 2026.

The section beginning around 16th Avenue has a separate federal funding component, according to Wildwood Video Archive. Keeping the northern and southern work as separate projects allows the city to use the different funding sources while advancing both portions of the reconstruction simultaneously.

Plans Have Changed Since Original Proposal

North Wildwood has been working toward a complete reconstruction of its Boardwalk for several years.

In early 2024, the city estimated that rebuilding its entire portion could cost approximately $34 million.

At the time, officials anticipated beginning with the northern end between 16th and 18th avenues. That phase was estimated to cost approximately $3.5 million.

The city's plans evolved after North Wildwood secured the $10.3 million state grant.

Instead, the first major phase ultimately began between 24th and 26th avenues in September 2025.

Now, the city is preparing to work from both ends.

The North Wildwood project is also separate from the ongoing reconstruction of the neighboring Wildwood Boardwalk. North Wildwood's work has involved removing and rebuilding the underlying structure in the affected sections, including installation of new pilings.

If the current schedule holds, construction on both North Wildwood sections will begin Monday, Oct. 5, with the goal of completing the work around Easter and having the Boardwalk fully available well before the 2027 summer season.