NORTH WILDWOOD – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials Nov. 8 announced the start of a project to dredge the outlet of the Beach Creek State navigation channel in North Wildwood.
The Beach Creek channel provides access between the back bay of Wildwood and the Hereford Inlet. According to an NJDOT release, this project will ensure that the channel is safe for navigation, with a depth of six feet.
NJDOT’s contractor, Wickberg Marine, began work on the $900,000 Beach Creek channel project in mid-October and work will continue through November. Sand will be hydraulically dredged during an outgoing tide only and discharged directly into the Inlet, where it will be carried by the tide to replenish the Inlet’s sand islands.
The dredge and associated pipelines will remain in place even when not actively dredging, so mariners need to be cautious when passing through the north end of Beach Creek Channel into the Hereford Inlet. The pipeline and discharge platform will be clearly marked. Channel closures are not expected, although this is subject to change.
Mariners should be advised that State Aids to Navigation will be removed from the mouth of the Beach Creek channel as necessary for the duration of the project. All mariners, including those utilizing human-powered craft, should be especially alert to project pipeline routes and crossings. Updates to the Local Notice to Mariners will be posted as necessary as the project progresses.
The public is advised to be aware of and stay alert to the pipeline, buoys, dredge and other equipment during this time. NJDOT asks that no one approach the pipeline, dredge or any related project equipment under any circumstances, whether or not active dredging operations are observed.
Pipelines can often be difficult to see on the water, and boaters should proceed through dredging maintenance and construction zones with the utmost caution. No wake speed should be observed in active work zones throughout the project duration.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. For NJDOT newsfollow us on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT or on the NJDOT Facebook page.
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