Plans for the state's first fully accessible fishing and pedestrian pier advanced last night as the Long Branch City Council awarded a construction contract to a New Jersey-based company.

The decision marked a milestone in the city's plans to restore the waterfront landmark, according to a press release from the city. Officials said marine contractor JT Cleary is expected to begin construction in 60 days, with work expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months.

“For many residents and visitors alike, the pier is an iconic symbol of historic Long Branch,” says Long Branch Mayor John Pallone.

The new pier will extend 550 feet from the existing boardwalk, officials said. It will be about 20 feet wide and feature a large archway at the entrance as well as a 40-foot-wide seating area at the center of the T-shaped structure. The pier will offer amenities for anglers including water access, utility tables, and vending machines that will offer fishing supplies. There will also be lighting, seating areas facing the ocean, and a refreshment kiosk, but no amusements or boat docks. It was also designed to give anglers access to deeper waters.

The mayor said the pier was designed to pay tribute to the original structure that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Long Branch was a popular seaside resort. The last remaining pier was destroyed by fire in 1987, after 75 years as a retreat for visitors to the waterfront.

“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," the mayor said. “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—and the State’s commitment—to inclusion and equal access for individuals with disabilities.”

According to officials, part of the funding for the pier came from a grant through New Jersey’s Boardwalk Construction Act. The city plans to hold a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the pier once the work is completed.