Va. Beach readying Boardwalk for summer
Harsh conditions at the Oceanfront — salt, sun and rain — fracture the surface. Over the last several weeks, a crew has been replacing sections of the Boardwalk in preparation for the summer.
VIRGINIA BEACH — Like potholes on a heavily traveled road, cracks in the three miles of concrete that make up the Virginia Beach Boardwalk can be a hazard to people who use the popular attraction.
Harsh conditions at the Oceanfront — salt, sun and rain — fracture the surface. The city keeps the Boardwalk in peak condition for millions of people who walk on it each year.
Repairs are usually done in between events and before tourist season.
Over the last several weeks, a crew has been replacing sections of the Boardwalk in preparation for the summer.
On Tuesday afternoon, families enjoying an unseasonably warm February day walked around a series of orange barrels at 33rd Street as workers prepared to pour new concrete on the path.
City workers regularly look for small holes and divots on the surface that can be patched without much disturbance.
“We can do a quick fix to prevent trip hazards,” said Mark Jones, an engineer with the Virginia Beach Public Works.
But it requires more time and equipment to repair deeper cracks. A 4-by-12-foot section of concrete with significant damage must be demolished and poured again. The work is noisy and usually handled over the winter.
“We don’t want to be out there when someone is trying to enjoy their morning cup of coffee during the peak season,” said Jones.
The Boardwalk extends 40 city blocks between Rudee Inlet and 40th Street. Jones said it costs about $500,000 a year to repair the defects.