NORTH WILDWOOD – Next week, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will commence work on the Emergency Beach Nourishment Dredging Project, thanks to the efforts led by Governor Phil Murphy. This project aims to replenish the North Wildwood beaches, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable shoreline for residents and visitors.
Project Timeline and Initial Preparations
Construction will begin at the start of the summer season, so we want to provide residents and visitors with details about what to expect in the coming days and weeks. Project preparation is already underway, with H & L Contracting and Great Lakes Dredge and Dock (GLDD) acting as the contractor and sub-contractor for NJDOT. They are expected to start mobilizing equipment during the week of May 20.
Sand Pumping Schedule
Once the equipment is on-site, sand pumping is scheduled to start during or before the first week of June. The contractors plan to pump sand on the beach at 7th Avenue, moving south to north and wrapping around the jetty at 2nd Avenue and John F. Kennedy Blvd. After this section is complete, the contractor will return to 7th Avenue and continue southward.
Beach Access and Safety Measures
During the project, contractors will work in approximately 1,000-foot increments along the beach. Each active section will be CLOSED to public access and marked by posts and signs indicating the area is CLOSED. NJDOT aims to work with the contractor to open sections of the beach to the public as soon as it is safe. Members of our Police Department and Beach Patrol will patrol these sections to prevent public access.
Pedestrian Access and Dredge Pipes
Beachgoers may cross the dredge pipes only if it is outside the active construction zone. The contractors will create access ramps with sand and other materials to allow pedestrians to reach the ocean side.
Equipment Staging Locations
NJDOT and the contractors plan to stage trailers and other equipment at various off-beach locations, including:
- 6th-7th Avenues (landward side of the bulkhead between the bulkhead and playground equipment)
- 15th Avenue & Beach Municipal Parking Lot
- 16th-17th Avenues (landward side of the dune between vehicle access and dune)
Parking and Traffic Interruptions
During the project, the 15th Avenue Beach Municipal Lot and LSV Parking Area at 15th Avenue will be closed to the public for parking. Other areas of traffic and parking may also be temporarily closed to the public from time to time.
Project Completion Date and Updates
The anticipated completion date for the Emergency Beach Nourishment Dredging Project is around July 4, 2024, depending on the final design, which the City, NJDOT, and the State are still finalizing. The City of North Wildwood and NJDOT officials will provide regular updates to keep everyone informed of any closures or other interruptions.
By providing these updates and maintaining clear communication, we aim to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth and efficient beach nourishment process for the benefit of all beachgoers and residents.