Watch CBS News

CBS 2 Exclusive: Steel Wall To Be Mounted To Protect Jersey Shore Towns From Storms

MANTOLOKING, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A four-mile steel wall is going up along the Jersey Shore beachfront, in one of the biggest projects that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will undertake to keep residents safe from storms like Superstorm Sandy.

As CBS 2's Christine Sloan reported exclusively Wednesday, the wall will be placed on the beach through Mantoloking and Brick. Crews will soon drill and put down the first steel sheets on Herbert Street in Mantoloking, according to Doug Popaca of the Mantoloking Office of Emergency Management.

The wall will rise along a 12-foot dune in the two municipalities, which were both
devastated by Sandy.

"We lost 200 houses that either were destroyed the first day of the storm, or had to be torn down," Popaca said.

That is why emergency management officials a tall, corrugated steel wall is warranted to protect residents.

"We're so fragile right now, but you know, the anticipation at this point, we're excited," said Sgt. Stacy Ferris, Operations Chief of the Mantoloking OEM.

The steel wall will go up right along the existing dune, sticking up 16 feet above sea level. It will be covered with sand, and eventually stand 22 feet high – completely obscured from view.

But it will block the views of the first floors of most homes.

"The wall will help if another tragic storm comes, but the view of it probably won't be that nice to the people that are living here and the people that vacation here," said Cary Rogers of Monmouth County.

Once the wall is complete, the Army Corps of Engineers will pump massive amounts of sand onto the surrounding beach – extending it out about 300 feet.

"Now, not only do you have a beach in front of the steel wall, so when the wave action starts it has someplace to go," Ferris said. "Instead of just going up and over into people's homes, it will have chance to dissipate most of the power."

Right now, residents only have a beach at low tide.

Residents will be able to voice their comments and concerns about the wall at a meeting. The project cost will be more than $28 million.

All expenses will be covered by the state Department of Environmental Protection, and federal highway funds.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.