A Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) project to install four miles of steel sheet piling into the beaches of Mantoloking and Brick to protect Route 35 and nearby homes and businesses from future severe storms began yesterday.
The steel sheeting project will complement an impending engineered beach and dune system planned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to bolster storm protections for nine coastal towns on the northern Ocean County peninsula.
Installation of the first steel sheet has started at Herbert Street in Mantoloking, near the foot of the Mantoloking Bridge, and will continue throughout Mantoloking and coastal Brick Township throughout the summer.
“ Coupled with the forthcoming coastal protection project by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this particularly vulnerable section of the Jersey Shore will be more resilient for future severe weather events ,” said Commissioner Martin. “ It is important to get this project started now and completed as quickly as possible. ’’
The $23.8 million publicly bid sheet piling contract was issued to EIC Associates of Springfield Township in Union County for the construction and installation of the steel walls. The project is being staged at two locations, one each in Brick and Mantoloking.
The 45-foot high steel sheets will be driven 30 feet into the ground on the landward back slant of the beach’s dune. Workers will replace the sand in front of the steel, but leave a minimum of one foot between the top of the steel and sand level. That portion later will be covered by the Army Corps’ comprehensive coastal protection system, which will see dunes raised 22 feet above sea level.
“ This project, coupled with the upcoming Army Corps’ beach and dune project, will provide our residents and the people of this entire region with long term protection and some peace of mind, especially as our residents continue their post-Sandy rebuilding efforts, ” said Mantoloking Mayor George C. Nebel. “ The installation of this steel wall may be temporarily disruptive. But these inconveniences pale in comparison to the long-term benefits the project will provide.”
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Press Release, July 11, 2014