Sandy-damaged Long Branch Boardwalk reopens

Almost three and a half years after Hurricane Sandy destroyed it, the reconstructed Long Branch boardwalk officially reopened to the public Monday, making it the last of the storm damaged Jersey Shore boardwalks to be completed.

The city bonded $25 million for the one-mile reconstruction, with Long Branch officials dubbing it as the largest capital project the city has ever undertaken.

The boardwalk was built to withstand future storms and was completed ahead of schedule. George Harms Construction was awarded a $14.4 contract last April.

One block of the boardwalk that remains unfinished will be done by the owner of Pier Village.