Beach buggy access prohibitions remain in Island Beach State Park due to major erosion

     Ocean water reaching the A-7 beach access point. (Photo: N.J. Department of Environmental Protection)

    Ocean water reaching the A-7 beach access point. (Photo: N.J. Department of Environmental Protection)

    The beach buggy prohibition in Island Beach State Park remains in place after the beaches suffered major erosion after days of high winds and substantial breakers.

    According to a N.J. Department of Environmental Protection release, the wind-whipped sand also caused deep berms in the Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle accessways, with some 15-feet deep.

    The release says the ocean almost reached the dunes near some access points.

    The park remains open for general access.

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    While beach buggy access remains closed as of mid-afternoon today, the park will open areas on a staggered basis throughout the week, according to the release. 

    The southernmost access point, A-23, will open at 4 p.m. today after high tide, allowing only for passage to the Barnegat Inlet jetty. But due to continuing higher than normal tides and high winds, the release says, the park will close the A-23 access tomorrow morning at 1 a.m., reopening at 4:30 a.m.

    Park officials will reevaluate beach conditions tomorrow afternoon for potentially additional high tide closures. 

    “All Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle accessways are anticipated to be open by Friday,” the release advises. 

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