No more detours as full length of Ocean City boardwalk reopens

Pedestrians, runners, and cyclists can now pass from end-to-end along the Ocean City boardwalk without having to detour. 

Construction crews last week finished installing decking along a stretch between Eight Street and 10th Street, according to a city release. 

This fourth phase of a multi-year boardwalk reconstruction project between Fifth Street and 12th Street began last October. A section leading to the Ocean City Music Pier from Eight Street was completed by New Year’s Eve. 

Meanwhile, work to restore the full width of the boardwalk, rebuild entrances at Eight Street and Ninth Street, construct five new pavilions, and install railings and light post continues. 

City officials expect to finish the current phase by late March. 

This phase to improve the deteriorating conditions of the concrete substructure and add new decking as part of regular maintenance costs approximately $3 million. 

Contractor Fred M. Schiavone Construction assembled sections of decking, made from southern yellow pine and twice as thick of traditional boardwalk planks, off-site and lowered each portion into place using a crane. 

The next and final phase of decking improvements is set to begin between 10th Street and 12th Street next season, followed by boardwalk ramp improvements between Eighth Street and 12th Street beginning in 2018 through 2019.