On October 7, Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ District 2) announced a dredging project for the Townsends Inlet Bridge in Cape May County. The navigation route under the bridge has become increasingly dangerous, with shifting sand narrowing the channel. According to the congressman’s office, the dredging project is expected to be complete by the end of October.
“Over the years, the route through Townsends Inlet has gotten smaller and more dangerous,” the congressman said, adding “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.”
As issue is a massive sandbar clogging part of the main channel between the bay and ocean between Avalon and Sea Isle City.
“Cape May County is putting $250,000 toward this emergency dredge because Townsends Inlet bridge is at risk of becoming an unsafe maritime passage,” said Cape May County Commissioner Patrick Rosenello, explaining that with the dredge company already mobilized for the Avalon beach fill, the $1.5 million estimated construction costs are significantly less.
“The Bridge Commission is contributing $50,000 towards the project, which will help protect the Townsends Inlet Bridge,” said Cape May County Bridge Commission Chair Carol Brand, adding “The Bridge Commission is happy to support this much needed project, and we applaud Congressman Van Drew’s efforts in facilitating the necessary emergency permits.”
“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,” Rep. Van Drew said, adding he would like to see Townsend Inlet recognized at the federal level as a navigable channel to help avoid these issues down the road.
“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 congressman said.
“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,” said Avalon Mayor John McCorristin, adding “Courtesy of an emergency beach fill acquired by the Congressman for the Borough, we are now able to partner with our neighbors in Sea Isle and the dredging company already in the Inlet to improve navigational safety and preserve the commercial and recreational boating opportunities that have a long lineage in Avalon and in Cape May County.”
