Fortescue Creek Channel dredging wraps up

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials yesterday announced the completion of dredging in Fortescue Creek Channel in Cumberland County.

The $2.3 million-dollar Fortescue Creek Channel project located in Downe Township restored safe navigation to the Fortescue Creek Channel.

The material removed from the channel was used beneficially to restore a section of shoreline that will serve as essential habitat for endangered species.

NJDOT’s contractor, Wickberg Marine Contracting Inc., removed more than 35,000 cubic yards of sediment from the channel, restoring access to recreational and commercial marine boat traffic from Fortescue Creek to Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The New Jersey State Police, United States Coast Guard, commercial fishermen and recreational boaters that utilize the channel will now be able to enjoy at least five feet of water at MLW (mean low water).

This channel is now considered to be in a state of good repair and will provide a much-needed boost to the regional economy.

This dredging project was part of the comprehensive State Channel Dredging Program initiated in March 2014, following Superstorm Sandy.

The State Channel Dredging and Emergency Response Program aims to maintain safe navigation statewide, and to respond quickly to damage to waterways caused by named storms.