While Carolina Beach’s newest hotel is nearing the halfway construction mark, the town is gearing up for the next phase of its boardwalk project. Late last year, the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission approved the town’s third request for the development.

Going to bid this month, construction of the 875-foot boardwalk extension is expected to begin in early spring. Currently, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk ends on Harper Avenue, where the more than 100-room Hampton Inn & Suites is being built.

“The town is in the process of getting final plans … and hoping to start construction [on the boardwalk extension] in March,” Carolina Beach town manager Michael Cramer said.

Cramer added that once construction begins, the project would take about 90-120 days to complete.

 “At the present time, they’re shooting for a late spring completion date,” he said.

The extension will run from 1 Harper Ave., north, to Pelican Lane.

Early last year, the town completed the first phase of the boardwalk renovation. Key changes included the installment of shaded seating and ADA-beach access spots. The pedestrian-only area was also widened to enable event-related crowds easier access in and out of the area.

The next phase will provide visitors with a walking connection from the marina to the boardwalk and downtown area, Cramer said. Additionally, it will increase the number of handicap-accessible beach access points from three to four.

“The main purpose of the extension is to get more people out on the beach and for those who are handicap to experience the beach like everyone else can,” Cramer said. “So it’ll expand the amount of area that individuals with handicaps can access the beach [itself].”

As for the Hampton Inn & Suites hotel, Cramer said that construction on it is also expected to wrap up in the spring. The hotel, however, isn’t expected to begin operating until mid-to-late summer.

“Most of the upward construction is done, but it hasn’t been dried-in, meaning there are no windows or doors yet,” Cramer said.