Reconstruction of the Ventnor City Boardwalk is anticipated to begin November 3, 2025.
Phase #1 construction will take place from Suffolk to Cambridge Aves.
The project is anticipated to last until mid-May 2026.
During construction, there will be no access to the boardwalk or beach from the affected areas.
Ventnor Boardwalk Reconstruction Project.
Two phases of build.
Phase 1: November 3, 2025 to May 16, 2026 from Suffolk Ave. to Cambridge Ave.
Phase 2: TBD/Fall 2026 to December 31, 2026 from Suffolk Ave. to Jackson Ave.
Ventnor has secured critical infrastructure funding through the Boardwalk Preservation Act of $7.1M to replace the boardwalk from Jackson Ave. to Cambridge Ave.
The scope of work includes complete demolition and reconstruction of the boardwalk structure, the pavilions, street end ramps, railing, and lighting.
Temporary fencing will be put in place prohibiting access.
Construction equipment will be staged on the beach block of Suffolk Avenue.
There may be parking restrictions on the beach block at Suffolk Ave and additional street ends where construction is taking place.
Ventnor City Boardwalk contract has been awarded Fred Schiavone Construction.
The Ventnor Fishing Pier at Cambridge Ave will remain accessible to the public during construction.
There will be no access to the boardwalk or beach from the affected areas.
Brief History of the Ventnor City Boardwalk.
The Ventnor Boardwalk’s story is directly linked to its larger neighbor, Atlantic City. It was constructed as a 1.7-mile extension of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, creating one long, continuous promenade that stretches from Atlantic City’s Inlet to the border of Ventnor and Margate.
While the exact original construction date is unclear, it’s believed to have been built in the early 1900s, shortly after Ventnor City was incorporated in 1903.
🌪️ Destruction and Rebirth
The most significant event in the boardwalk’s history was the Great Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. This catastrophic nor’easter devastated the Jersey Shore and completely destroyed large sections of the Ventnor boardwalk.
- Reconstruction (1962-1963): The city undertook a major project to rebuild the promenade. The “new” wooden boardwalk, which reopened in the spring of 1963, is the primary structure that still exists today.
- A Separate Pier: It’s worth noting that the popular Ventnor City Fishing Pier (a separate structure) was also destroyed in a 1963 storm and later rebuilt.
🛠️ Modern Preservation
After standing for over 60 years, the 1963 wooden boardwalk is now the focus of major preservation and replacement efforts.
One of the cities first actions after incorporating was to borrow money to build an elevated walkway. This was in 1903
I think the Boardwalk rebuild is great. As a daily walker, however, I am concerned about the utter deterioration of the south half – from Cambridge to Martindale – and the negligent disregard of the City toward routine maintenance.
There are numerous holes, rotting boards and raised screws. I don’t understand why there is no routine maintenance on the half of the Boardwalk that will not be replaced.
Please, Public Works Department, send someone by foot from Cambridge to the south end and back.
It will be clear to you that you need to maintain this half while we wait patiently for you to find the money to rebuild it.