Barnegat Inlet jetty repairs begin shortly in Island Beach State Park

Construction crews will soon begin repairs on a significant portion of the north side of the Barnegat Inlet jetty that protects the southern tip of Island Beach State Park, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District said today.

The $7.6 million project will result in repairs to approximately 740 feet of the jetty that was badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy, according to a February 2014 Army Corps release. 

“Our contractor, Agate Construction Company, is currently mobilizing equipment to begin the repair work. All of the land-based equipment should be on site by March 15, while a barge will arrive in the inlet at a later date and be positioned alongside the jetty as they make repairs,” Army Corps spokesman Steve Rochette said in an email. 

The repair work involves rebuilding the cross-section of the jetty using existing capstone, supplemented with additional capstone, corestone, slushed concrete and stone-filled mattresses.

Beach buggy access will continue for permit holders, but the beach area near the jetty will be closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to continue to the fall, according to the release. 

“While we recognize the jetty is a popular fishing destination, it is imperative that the jetty area be closed to all go park-goers for their own safety,” said Mark Texel, New Jersey State Park Director. “Ultimately, we will have a stronger jetty that will best serve Barnegat Inlet and the south end of our park.”