Construction Of New Long Branch Pier Will Begin This Spring

LONG BRANCH, NJ — On Tuesday night, the Long Branch City Council awarded the construction contract for the new Long Branch Pier, marking a major milestone to restore this iconic waterfront landmark.

The bid was awarded to New Jersey-based JT Cleary, a premier marine contractor with extensive experience on large, high-profile projects along the East Coast.

The project will begin in the next 60 days, with an estimated 12-to-18-month completion timetable, the city of Long Branch said Feb. 4.

“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.”

The pier will be built within the existing right-of-way adjacent to Laird Street Beach. It will extend 550 feet from the existing boardwalk and will be 20 feet wide. A large decorative archway will adorn the entrance. The end of the pier will be T-shaped with an 80-foot length. A dramatic 40-foot wide octagonal seating area will be featured at the mid-point of the structure.

The city of Long Branch says its pier will be the state’s first fully accessible fishing and pedestrian pier. The pier will be for recreational use only and will not have any amusements, docks for boats, or any other transportation purposes. The city says it will be perfect for fishermen, crabbers, runners, walkers, families and visitors. The pier will provide access to deeper waters, improving fishing opportunities for both residents and visitors.

The pier will be designed for year-round use, it will have benches, utility tables and a central seating area for visitors to relax and enjoy ocean views. Vending machines will offer fishing supplies. A small kiosk providing light refreshments, such as ice cream, is also planned.

History of Long Branch's piers as a Victorian-era seaside resort

Long Branch had several ocean piers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the city was one of America’s most fashionable seaside resorts, drawing presidents, industrialists and vacationers from New York and Philadelphia. Over the years, several wooden and iron piers lined the shoreline, serving as promenades, entertainment centers, and docking points for excursion boats.

But Long Branch's final remaining pier was destroyed by a fire in 1987.

The new project represents a significant step toward restoring that historic legacy.

“For many residents and visitors alike, the pier is an iconic symbol of historic Long Branch,” said Mayor Pallone. “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. We intend for this pier to serve as a statewide model for accessibility. 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 to inclusion and equal access for individuals with disabilities.”