In 2012, Super Storm Sandy heavily damaged the Wildwood Channel complex and its seven maritime channels – and the New Jersey Department of Transportation got the call to restore them to their safe and navigable depth to facilitate maritime transport throughout the area. Commercial fisheries, clammers, marina owners, small rental businesses, private homeowners, and local townships all benefit from improved channel access, which supports the region’s shorefront reputation and economy. However, the project faced several challenges, including coordinating dredging efforts across multiple townships and meeting tight deadlines to avoid disrupting the critical tourist season. As a result, three different sites across four municipalities were used to complete this $11.6 million project. Nearly 140 “geobags”—large, durable fabric bags filled with materials like sand, soil, or gravel—were used to dewater the dredged material, allowing for efficient and timely removal.
America's Transportation Awards 