Townsends Inlet Bridge Dredging Project Announced in Cape May County

SEA ISLE CITY, NJ — A dredging project has been announced for the Townsends Inlet Bridge in Cape May County, where officials say shifting sand has narrowed the navigation route under the bridge and made the channel more dangerous for boat traffic.

In an announcement from Washington, Congressman Jeff Van Drew said an agreement is now in place to dredge at the bridge. The project is aimed at improving safety for recreational and commercial boats using the inlet. According to the announcement, Van Drew’s office is working with local, state and federal governments to fund, permit and carry out the work.

"Over the years, the route through Townsends Inlet has gotten smaller and more dangerous," said Van Drew. "As of today, we have an agreement in place to dredge at the bridge and make the inlet safer for recreational and commercial boats. My office is working with local, state, and federal governments to fund, permit, and execute this project. We are using dredging equipment already in the area for the Avalon beach replenishment project to get this done quickly while saving millions of dollars for taxpayers. Looking ahead, I am working to have Townsends Inlet studied as a federal navigation channel so we can establish a permanent plan for maintaining this waterway."

The announcement says the project will use dredging equipment already in the area for the Avalon beach replenishment project.

Cape May County Commissioner Patrick Rosenello said the estimated construction cost is $1.5 million, and said those costs are lower because the dredge company is already mobilized for the Avalon beach fill. Rosenello said Cape May County is contributing $250,000 toward what he described as an emergency dredge. Bridge Commission Chair Carol Brand said the commission is contributing $50,000 toward the project.

Avalon Mayor John McCorristin said the work is tied to navigational safety and boating access in the area.

"Avalon deeply appreciates the direction and guidance provided by Congressman Van Drew to achieve our mutual stakeholder objective of providing safe navigation through Townsend's Inlet," McCorristin said.

Sea Isle Mayor Len Desiderio also praised the project.

"This project shows what effective government looks like when we work together with a shared commitment to getting things done," Desiderio said. He said the plan will "ensure a safe and reliable navigational route through this vital waterway."

Brand said the Bridge Commission’s contribution will also help protect the Townsends Inlet bridge. Van Drew said he is also working to have Townsends Inlet studied as a federal navigation channel as part of a longer-term maintenance plan for the waterway.