Emergency Dredging Underway in Manasquan River

Boaters advised to use no-wake speed near project equipment and dredged material area.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:07am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the Manasquan River surrounded by towering cliffs and an overcast sky, with the dredging equipment barely visible in the distance, conveying the overwhelming scale of the natural environment.The emergency dredging work in the Manasquan River takes place against the backdrop of the waterway's dramatic, natural surroundings.Point Pleasant Beach Today

The New Jersey Department of Transportation has announced that emergency dredging is currently underway in the Manasquan River to address issues in the Wills Hole Thorofare. A contractor is mobilizing equipment in the area to conduct the dredging work, and boaters are advised to use no-wake speed when passing by the project site and marked pipeline crossing the river.

Why it matters

The emergency dredging is necessary to maintain safe navigation and access through the Manasquan River, which is an important waterway for recreational and commercial boating in the region. The no-wake speed requirement is in place to protect both the dredging equipment and the boaters themselves from potential hazards.

The details

The NJDOT has stated that a contractor is currently mobilizing equipment to perform the emergency dredging work in the Wills Hole Thorofare section of the Manasquan River. Boaters are advised to use no-wake speed when passing by the project site, as well as the marked pipeline crossing the river and the dredged material placement area located at Fisherman's Cove Beach. The public is also warned to stay away from the dredging equipment, both on land and in the water.

  • The emergency dredging work began on April 12, 2026.

The players

New Jersey Department of Transportation

The state transportation agency overseeing the emergency dredging project in the Manasquan River.

Contractor

The company hired by the NJDOT to mobilize equipment and perform the dredging work in the Wills Hole Thorofare.

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The takeaway

This emergency dredging project is crucial for maintaining safe navigation and access through the Manasquan River, a vital waterway for the region. The no-wake speed requirement and warnings to stay away from the equipment are important safety measures to protect both the project and the boating public.