Crews begin long-awaited reconstruction of beloved Cape Cod landmark

SANDWICH, Mass. — Work crews on Tuesday launched the long-awaited reconstruction of a beloved landmark on Cape Cod that suffered severe damage in a nasty nor’easter in 2022.

During the first week of work, ACK Marine will begin site security and mobilization of the Sandwich Boardwalk, according to town officials.

Construction fencing will be installed in the work area, but visitors will still have full access to Town Neck Beach and the Mill Creek recreation area, officials said.

The boardwalk, often referred to as the “Plank Walk” or the “Mill Creek Footbridge,” is about 1,300 feet in length. In a storm on Jan. 31, 2022, about 220 feet of the wood crossing was badly damaged.

“The beams, posts, bracing, and metal fasteners have exceeded their useful life,” officials said of the footbridge. “The boardwalk is deteriorating rapidly and could/has quickly become a safety risk. Storms continue to take a heavy toll on the structure.”

Access to the Mill Creek Footbridge will remain accessible from the Boardwalk Road parking lot until later phases of the project.

The boardwalk crosses Mill Creek and the marsh, leading to the Town Beach on Cape Cod Bay. Tourists flocked to the boardwalk in years past, posing for photos and taking in the scenic views.

Sandwich’s unique treasure was previously chosen by National Geographic as one of the top 10 boardwalks in the United States.

In the second week of work, ACK Marine will begin test drilling for new helical piles. Town officials say they will provide updates on any changes to site access as the project progresses.

In March, officials announced that the boardwalk would not reopen in time for the summer season.

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