The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District has released an update on the upcoming Absecon Island beach nourishment project in New Jersey. This critical initiative, part of the larger Absecon Island dune and beachfill effort, aims to improve coastal resilience and reduce storm-related damages along this popular shoreline.
Project Overview and Purpose of Absecon Island Beach Nourishment
The Absecon Island Beach Nourishment Project involves periodic dredging and beachfill to replenish and widen beaches along Absecon Island. USACE awarded a $38.2 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, based in Houston, Texas, to handle this essential work. As part of the contract, 1.2 million cubic yards of sand will be strategically placed along the beaches to combat erosion and reinforce dunes.
Sand Sourcing and Placement for Optimal Beach Protection
The sand required for this project will be dredged from two designated borrow areas:
- Absecon Inlet Borrow Area – located within Absecon Inlet
- Atlantic Ocean Offshore Borrow Area – positioned offshore from Absecon Island
After collection, the sand will be pumped onto the beaches and shaped according to an engineered template. This design helps to minimize the impact of coastal storms, providing an enhanced buffer against rising tides and strong winds.
Targeted Beach Areas for Sand Placement and Restoration
Most of the beach nourishment will concentrate on sections with significant erosion, particularly:
- Northern Atlantic City – Erosion-prone areas where widening is prioritized
- Ventnor City – Additional beach widening and restoration efforts
Additional Repairs in Margate and Longport
Alongside beach widening, other areas such as Margate and Longport will undergo necessary repairs, including:
- Dune Reconstruction – Strengthening and reshaping dunes in affected areas
- Beach Access Paths and Crossovers – Repairing and improving access for public use
- Sand Fencing and Dune Grass Planting – Installing sand fencing and replanting dune grass to stabilize sand
Collaborative Efforts to Protect and Maintain Absecon Island’s Beaches
This beach nourishment project is a collaborative effort involving the USACE Philadelphia District, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and local municipalities. Initial beachfill construction began in Atlantic City and Ventnor City in 2004, with Margate City and Longport joining in 2018. USACE evaluates sand placement areas to provide maximum protection and resilience, making data-driven decisions on where to allocate resources within the available budget.
Project Timeline and Mobilization Plans
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company is set to mobilize for work in Atlantic City in November 2024, followed by Ventnor City in December 2024. The construction period is expected to last between two and four months, depending on weather conditions and production rates.
Expected Benefits of the Absecon Island Beach Nourishment Project
This periodic nourishment project will bring numerous benefits to Absecon Island, including:
- Enhanced Protection Against Coastal Storms – Beach widening and dune reinforcement provide an effective defense against storm surges
- Improved Public Beach Access – Repairs to paths and crossovers enhance accessibility for residents and tourists
- Increased Ecosystem Stability – Planting dune grass helps stabilize the sand and fosters local vegetation growth
Conclusion: A Vital Project for New Jersey’s Coastline
The Absecon Island Beach Nourishment Project is an essential undertaking to protect New Jersey’s coastal infrastructure. With strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and targeted beach restoration, this initiative will strengthen Absecon Island’s defenses against coastal erosion and storms.