Flood protection construction continues at Hoboken’s northern and southern ends as New Jersey moves forward with a long-term plan to reduce flood risk along the Hudson River. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host a virtual public meeting on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. to provide updates on construction progress and outline the next phases of the Rebuild by Design–Hudson River Project.
The project was developed in response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when a storm surge flooded Hoboken with more than 500 million gallons of water and caused over $100 million in private property damage. The flooding exposed weaknesses along the waterfront, which, in turn, led to the creation of a regional flood protection effort.
- A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. to share construction updates and upcoming steps for Hoboken’s flood protection work.
- The Rebuild by Design–Hudson River Project was created after Hurricane Sandy to address flooding risks in Hoboken, Jersey City, and Weehawken caused by storm surge, high tides, and heavy rainfall.
- The project includes more than 9,000 linear feet of floodwalls, 26 floodgates, sewer system upgrades, and improvements to Harborside Park, which is expected to be completed in 2027.
Origins and Purpose of the Rebuild by Design–Hudson River Project
The Rebuild by Design–Hudson River Project is a flood protection system focused on safeguarding portions of Hoboken, Jersey City, and Weehawken. It originated from the Rebuild by Design competition, launched by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the summer of 2013 following Superstorm Sandy. The competition sought solutions to strengthen physical, ecological, economic, and social resilience in storm-impacted areas.
The Hudson River proposal was selected as one of six winning projects. HUD awarded $230 million to the State of New Jersey to carry out the project across the three municipalities. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection later secured additional funding through FEMA and the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
Project Area and Infrastructure Integration
The project study area runs from the Hudson River on the east to Baldwin Avenue in Weehawken on the north, the Palisades on the west, and 18th Street, Washington Boulevard, and 14th Street in Jersey City on the south. Construction of the primary flood protection structures is concentrated along Lincoln Harbor Road in Weehawken, Washington Street in Hoboken, and 18th Street in Jersey City.
The system addresses flooding from storm surge, high tides, and heavy rainfall. Flood protection structures are integrated into surrounding neighborhoods through features such as benches, planters, murals, lighting, and educational signage.
Current Construction Under the Resist Contract
Construction is moving forward under the Resist contract, the second phase of the Rebuild by Design–Hudson River Project. The contract was awarded to E.E. Cruz & Company, Inc. on July 31, 2023. Exploratory work began in late October, including test pitting to locate underground utilities, and continued through early December. Construction of the floodwalls is expected to begin in January 2024.
The Resist contract includes two work zones. The North work zone covers northern Hoboken and parts of Weehawken, while the South work zone includes southern Hoboken and sections of Jersey City.
This phase includes the construction of more than 9,000 linear feet of reinforced concrete floodwalls of varying heights and the installation of 26 floodgates, including rolling floodgates, swinging floodgates, and stoplog barriers. Landscape and architectural elements such as seating, planters, lighting, and educational signs are included. Improvements to Harborside Park are part of this phase, with the park expected to be completed in 2027 and intended to retain floodwater.
Sewer Separation Work Completed Before Floodwall Construction
The first phase of the project, the Sewer Separation Modification (SSM) contract, was completed before floodwall construction began. The contract was awarded in January 2021 and completed in July 2022, with construction costs totaling approximately $6.7 million.
The SSM work separated portions of Hoboken’s combined sewer outfall system into stormwater and sanitary lines, ensuring that storm surge water will not surcharge beneath the floodwall system once constructed.
The completed work included sealing more than 100 existing manholes, installing over 30 new manholes, adding 40 catch basins, installing more than 4,000 linear feet of stormwater pipe, and placing eight water quality units to remove solids and suspended solids before stormwater enters the Hudson River.
