State DOT Now Dredging Manasquan Channels In Northern Ocean County

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials are cautioning boaters that navigational aids in the Manasquan River and Wills Hole Thorofare channels will be removed at times as the dredging project continues.

The second season of dredging in Ocean and Monmouth counties resumed on July 5. The $3.4 million project began in the fall of 2016, when the lower Manasquan River channel and parts of the Wills Hole Thorofare were completed.

The DOT's contractor - Village Dock Contracting, Inc.- will dredge Wills Hole Thorofare, Wills Hole West, Crabtown Creek, Kingsbridge Channel and a portion of Cooks Creek in Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Borough and Brielle.

Boaters should be aware that channel use will be limited when the dredge is operating and dredge material is transported to its placement location.

The project is intended to run on a 24-hour/7-day a week schedule and expected to run from July to Dec. 31. Channel closures are not expected with the exception of Kingsbridge Channel, although this is subject to change.

State aids to navigation will be removed 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 will be provided 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," the release states. "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."

The project is intended to restore channels to their designed depths and widths.

Season two of the project is intended to continue to restore channels to their designed depths and widths.

Image: Patch file photo