Added protection is coming for hundreds of properties down at the Jersey Shore.

Local, state and federal officials announced Monday the completion of a 600-foot long "concrete culvert" in Spring Lake.

The tunnel will restore tidal flow between Wreck Pond and the ocean.

The goal is to reduce flooding, provide passage for fish to the pond and improve water quality.

"Starting in 2001, there's an advisory put in place that after a tenth of an inch of rain there would be an automatic beach closure, but because of this project and a couple of others that preceded it, we'll be able to lift that advisory so even when it does rain after a storm you can go right onto the beach and swim again," says DEP Deputy Commissioner David Glass.



Dredging of the pond will also continue and should be completed by the end of the year.