Posted on July 20, 2026
By Pat Sharkey
BARNEGAT BAY, NJ — A major navigation and infrastructure initiative is officially underway in Ocean County this weekend. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has launched its highly anticipated Beach Haven West dredging project, a move designed to clear vital waterways but one that will require local mariners to alter their usual routines.
Work is kicking off simultaneously across multiple sectors of Barnegat Bay, including Cedar Run, Ship Bottom, Little Egg, and Harvey Cedars.
The sheer scale of the project presents unique logistical hurdles for local summer traffic. Over 7 miles of pipeline are being deployed throughout the bay. This extensive network will consist of a mix of submerged (sunk) and floating pipelines winding through the active waterways.
While NJDOT officials confirm that the entire length of the pipeline will be clearly marked with reflective buoys and safety lights, officials warn that visibility can change rapidly depending on weather, sun glare, and choppy water conditions.
Furthermore, because dredging requires moving sediment from specific shoaled areas to disposal sites, the pipelines may traverse open waters outside of the traditional, marked navigation channels that local boaters routinely rely on.
With peak boating season in full swing, state authorities are urging the public to exercise a high degree of situational awareness. If you are heading out onto the water this weekend, keep the following safety protocols in mind:
- Maintain Distance: Give all floating equipment, dredges, and support vessels a wide berth. Stay well clear of any visible pipeline tracks.
- Watch the Wake: Boat operators must drop to slow/no wake speeds whenever passing active dredging equipment or pipeline setups to prevent shifting the lines or endangering workers.
- Keep Eyes Peeled: Scan the water constantly for the project’s yellow or orange safety buoys, especially when traveling outside main channels.
- Stay Radio Active: If you need to coordinate a passing or cross an area near the active operation, use VHF Channel 63 to establish direct communication with the on-site equipment operators.
Dredging operations are expected to continue around the clock in some areas. Boaters should plan for extra travel time and consider alternative routes through the bay while the heavy equipment is active.
