Posted on February 16, 2026
Barnstable County’s dredge program continues its winter operations across Cape Cod, moving from the completed Parkers River Approach & Entrance Channel project to the next phase of work at the Bass River Approach Channel.
These short field updates provide a behind-the-scenes look at the work required to maintain safe navigation channels and support coastal infrastructure across the region.
Parkers River Approach & Entrance Channel Post-Dredge Survey and Mobilization
Following completion of the Parkers River dredging project, the crew conducted a post-dredge survey to determine the areas dredged and volume of material removed. This project was originally planned to take just over a week, but due to prolonged extended periods of strong winds, cold weather conditions and harbor ice, the project took six weeks to complete.
With the Post-Dredge survey underway, crews began the complex process of mobilizing equipment to the next project site. This included floating 2,500′ of pipe from the beach placement area to the dredge Sand Shifter, with the pipe connected to the dredge and then towing it to Bass River.
Cold conditions continue to influence operations, with water temperatures around 28 degrees and ice still present in many harbors across Cape Cod. Despite these challenges, crews continue working between weather windows to maintain project schedules.
Upcoming dredging work following Bass River is planned for several locations across the region, including Chatham (Aunt Lydia’s Cove & Mill Creek) and Harwich (Saquatucket and Allen Harbors).
Bass River Approach Channel: Dredge Relocation and Setup
A second field update captures the relocation and setup of the dredge at the Bass River Approach Channel.
In an efficient move made possible by the short one-mile distance between sites, the crew relocated the dredge with its pipe fully connected and floating. Rather than breaking down and towing pipe sections separately — the usual method for longer moves — the team was able to move the dredge and pipe together in one continuous section, significantly speeding operations.
The pipe was towed to Smuggler’s Beach on the west side of the jetty, where crews began positioning and moving the pipe into position. The dredge is now on station and is preparing to begin dredging approximately 3,500 cubic yards of material from the channel.
This coordinated mobilization highlights the logistical complexity of regional dredging work and the careful planning required to move equipment efficiently between Cape Cod harbors, particularly during winter conditions.
