An intriguing sight awaits those navigating the quieter streets of North Wildwood. Behind ACME and the North Wildwood boat ramp, large pipes, geotextile bags, and machinery signify the commencement of a significant dredging initiative, the Wildwood Channel Complex dredging project.
Continuous Restoration Efforts: Round-the-Clock Schedule
Initiated by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), this $9.7 million endeavor, led by NJDOT’s contracted firm, Mobile Dredging & Video Pipe Inc., is a collaborative effort with our community. Your active involvement is not just crucial, but it’s what makes this endeavor possible. Together, we aim to restore safe navigation and revitalize the scenic waterways of Wildwood. Key channels targeted for dredging include Beach Creek 1, Beach Creek 2, Ottens Canal Channel, Ottens Canal Lagoon Channel, Ottens Harbor Channel, Post Creek, and West Wildwood Channel.
Dredging activities commenced in late October, operating round-the-clock, seven days a week, to accelerate restoration while minimizing disruptions to locals and businesses. Rest assured, comprehensive safety measures are in place to ensure your security. The project was planned for completion by April 2024.
Balancing Short-Term Inconveniences with Long-Term Benefits
The specified area will be closed for safety throughout this project, with temporary inconveniences that are small when compared to the lasting benefits guaranteed by this restoration initiative. This is not just a dredging project; it’s a beacon of hope and positive energy for our community, promising a brighter future for the waterways of Wildwood.
All materials removed from channels are pumped via pipeline and placed in geotextile bags at approved areas. After dewatering, dredged materials are hauled on trucks to approved beneficial use sites, ensuring environmentally friendly disposal practices.
The revitalization of Wildwood’s waterways has significant implications for its inhabitants and beyond. It enhances boating safety for recreationists and commercial users and promotes the conservation of the region’s scenic beauty and ecological habitat.
Get more details about dredging developments in Wildwood’s backbays online. The Wildwood Video Archive recently investigated the construction site, revealing some information about the pumping system and using aerial footage to capture what happened during dredging. Join us on our channel as we strive to hit 100k subscribers this year and provide constant updates on this major undertaking at Wildwood’s backbays.