Boating & Fishing

Project to Improve Parking, ‘The Wall’ at Inlet in Point Pleasant Beach Moves Forward

by
Daniel Nee
November 5, 2024

A project that is aimed at improving conditions along the Manasquan Inlet public access area and parking lot in Point Pleasant Beach is moving forward with another round of bidding.

Though primarily funded by the state, Point Pleasant Beach officials are managing the project through their municipal engineering firm, RVE Engineering. Bids on the project were initially rejected, leading to a second round which ends this week. If the bids meet the specifications and cost estimates, the project will likely move forward in the coming months.

Inlet Drive in Point Pleasant Beach, the south side of Manasquan Inlet. (Photo: Shorebeat)

One of the most popular destinations year-round for locals – and intensively so during the summer months – the inlet walkway access area is frequently muddy, with water from rain and waves from storms often pooling in some areas along the concrete bulkhead, normally known as “the wall.” In 2023, Point Pleasant Beach officials developed the project to improve the inlet area and ultimately save resources that are repeatedly used by local public works crews after foul weather.

Point Pleasant Beach was awarded a $209,750 state grant last year to be put toward the project. The work will consist of repaving the parking lot and improving stormwater management by way of rain gardens and a filtration system that will keep the water from pooling and undermining the bulkhead and public access path.

Inlet Drive in Point Pleasant Beach, the south side of Manasquan Inlet. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Rough currents at Manasquan Inlet, N.J., Sept. 28, 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

According to the borough’s capital budget, the work is expected to cost $259,750, inclusive of a $47,500 investment from the town. The project is expected to control flooding and improve parking access for at least 10 years.