{"id":176900,"date":"2026-02-13T19:25:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T19:25:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/176900\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T19:25:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T19:25:07","slug":"long-branch-awards-12-4m-contract-for-new-jerseys-first-fully-accessible-pier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/176900\/","title":{"rendered":"Long Branch Awards $12.4M Contract for New Jersey’s First Fully Accessible Pier"},"content":{"rendered":"

Long Branch City Council approved a $12.4 million construction contract on Feb. 3. Newark-based JT Cleary, a marine contractor, won the bid to construct a new waterfront pier. This will become New Jersey’s first fully accessible fishing and pedestrian structure.<\/p>\n

Construction begins in 60 days. The work should wrap up between 12 and 18 months.<\/p>\n

The structure will extend 550 feet from the current boardwalk. Width measures 20 feet. At the end, a T-shaped section will span 80 feet, while a 40-foot-wide octagonal seating spot sits at the midpoint. A decorative archway will mark the entrance.<\/p>\n

Accessible railings will line both sides. Seating, lights, water access for anglers, and utility tables are built into the plans. Benches dot the walkway. A central seating area will provide rest. Vending machines will stock fishing supplies, and a small refreshment kiosk will offer snacks and drinks.<\/p>\n

This project brings back one of the city’s most iconic waterfront features. Fire destroyed the last pier in 1987.<\/p>\n

“For many residents and visitors alike, the pier is an iconic symbol of historic Long Branch,” said Mayor John Pallone, according to NJBiz.com<\/a>. “The new pier will include historic design elements that give a nod to the original structure, while incorporating modern standards for safety, durability, and maximum resiliency.”<\/p>\n

Pallone mentioned that the structure aims to set a statewide example. “In 2019, Long Branch opened New Jersey’s first fully accessible beach, setting a standard that other communities have followed. This project reaffirms our commitment \u2014 and the state’s commitment\u2014to inclusion and equal access for individuals with disabilities,” he said.<\/p>\n

The structure will rise near Laird Street Beach. Year-round use is planned. Deeper waters become available for fishing. The facility serves recreation and fishing only \u2014 no amusements or boat docking.<\/p>\n

More than two-thirds of the project’s funding comes from a competitive grant under New Jersey’s Boardwalk Construction Act.<\/p>\n

“Construction will begin before the start of the summer season,” said Council President Anita Voogt. “Additional details will be released in the coming months, and upon completion, the City plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this long-awaited addition to our waterfront.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Long Branch City Council approved a $12.4 million construction contract on Feb. 3. Newark-based JT Cleary, a marine…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":176901,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[131,133,132,82913],"class_list":{"0":"post-176900","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-long-beach","8":"tag-long-beach","9":"tag-long-beach-headlines","10":"tag-long-beach-news","11":"tag-long-branch"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=176900"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176900\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/176901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=176900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=176900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=176900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}