Barnegat Inlet North Jetty Repair Completed, Now Open For Fishing

The recent completion of a $7.6 million repair of the north jetty at the Barnegat Inlet should improve the navigational channel and protect the southern tip of Island Beach State Park, the state Department of Environmental Protection commissioner said.

“Completion of this important project to deal with severe damage caused by Superstorm Sandy has created a resilient shoreline to better protect the inlet from future storms,” said Commissioner Bob Martin. “We thank the Army Corps of Engineers for moving as quickly as possible to get this massive job done and to get the inlet fully reopened to our residents and visitors.’’

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District awarded a $7.6 million contract for the project earlier this year to Clermont-based Agate Construction Company. The project - which began in May - stabilized approximately 740 feet of jetty stones on the north side of the inlet, which was battered by Superstorm Sandy.

The massive storm caused the displacement of jetty stones along the north jetty that borders Island Beach State Park’s shoreline. The openings between the jetty stones allowed the flow of sand and water, which could have caused future shoaling in Barnegat Inlet and erosion at the southern-most beach area of Island State Park, Martin said.

“Despite working in difficult conditions in Barnegat Inlet, our contractor was able to complete the project on schedule,” said USACE Project Engineer Gavin Kaiser.

Since the jetty has been restored, the State Park Service has reopened the Barnegat Inlet jetty area to fishing. A line of dune fence has been installed parallel to the jetty, with access openings every 50 feet for easy access. However, vehicles are not permitted along the eastern end of the jetty.

“Parking and walking the short, 35-foot distance from the jetty affords all users the ability to access and move freely throughout the length of the jetty, while protecting the base of the jetty,” said Island Beach State Park manager Ray Bukowski. “We thank our park users and mobile sport fishing permit holders for their patience, and welcome them back to a favorite fishing spot.”

Recent overhead digital images of the project are available at http://bit.ly/10QTEr8. A recent video of the work is also available at: http://vimeo.com/108946153. The photos and video were taken by Bob Alberding/ RemoteControlAerialProductions.com.

The Barnegat Inlet north jetty was first constructed in 1940 and raised in elevation in 1974. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the inlet last July. The inlet requires dredging to provide a safe and reliable navigation channel for the U.S. Coast Guard and a large fishing fleet consisting of full-time commercial, charter and recreational vessels.