The canal was completed in 1925 as part of the inland waterway system, facilitating maritime navigation along the Atlantic coast. Its construction effectively bisected the Barnegat Peninsula, transforming it into an island. The canal's opening led to significant changes in local hydrology, including saltwater intrusion into upper Barnegat Bay and the closure of the original Manasquan Inlet by 1929, which adversely affected the local fishing industry. A new inlet was subsequently constructed in 1930 to restore the fishing economy.[1][2]
In 1964, the canal was officially named the Point Pleasant Canal through Senate Bill #2654.[3]
Infrastructure
The canal is spanned by two lift bridges: the Route 88 Bridge and the Lovelandtown Bridge on Bridge Avenue. These bridges open on demand to allow marine traffic to pass, temporarily halting vehicular traffic.[4][5]
Environmental Monitoring
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maintains a monitoring station at the canal (Site No. 01408043) to collect data on water quality and hydrology.[6]
Recent Developments
In January 2022, $3.2 million in federal funding was approved for repairs to the canal's bulkhead, addressing structural issues and ensuring safe navigation.[7]
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