Major Beach Renourishment Project to Start This Spring

News Summary

This spring, a significant beach renourishment project will commence along the Grand Strand coastline, involving the transport of two million cubic yards of sand to combat coastal erosion. Led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the $72 million initiative aims to benefit popular beach destinations such as North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach. With environmental safeguards in place, the project will address erosion caused by recent hurricanes while also improving beach accessibility for residents and visitors.

Major Beach Renourishment Project Set to Commence This Spring Along Grand Strand Coastline

As the summer season approaches, residents and visitors of the Grand Strand coastline can expect some major changes along their beloved beaches. A significant beach renourishment project is slated to kick off this spring, involving an impressive two million cubic yards of sand, which is equivalent to a staggering 200,000 dump trucks full. This monumental undertaking aims to restore the coastline that has suffered from coastal erosion and will span several popular beach destinations including North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City.

Restoration Efforts Driven by Nature’s Forces

Coastal erosion is a persistent issue that occurs every seven to ten years; this is necessitated by the dynamic and sometimes destructive forces of nature. The recent erosional impact from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Debby in 2024 emphasized the critical need for this renourishment initiative. The last time such a project was completed was back in 2018.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is at the helm of this ambitious $72 million project, ensuring that the Grand Strand coast is not only beautiful but also well-protected from future storm damage. Although an official start date has yet to be announced, it is anticipated that construction will commence in spring 2025 and is projected to take approximately 18 months to complete. Weather conditions and equipment logistics may result in fluctuations to this timeline.

How the Sand Will Arrive

The process will involve dredging sand from designated offshore “borrow areas,” with the material being transported via submerged pipelines directly to the beaches. To reshape the shoreline, heavy machinery such as bulldozers will be utilized for the beach renourishment process.

Environmental Safeguards in Place

With wildlife conservation being a core aspect of coastal projects, rigorous monitoring will take place throughout the operation. This includes the daily oversight of shorebirds and the relocation of any sea turtles and nests discovered on or near the work sites. In fact, construction will come to a halt if any sea turtles are found in the vicinity, underlining the commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems during this significant development.

Beach Closures: What to Expect

While the project will require beach closures, the majority of the coast will remain accessible to sunbathers and beachgoers. A 1,000-foot-wide section of the beach will be closed off only in areas where active work is taking place, and each section is expected to be restricted for a duration of just a few days at a time. To provide timely updates about open and closed sections, the USACE will launch a construction tracker map on their website.

Contract Award and Financial Backing

In terms of manpower, the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company has secured the contract for this major renourishment initiative. The federal government has also committed over $13 million to support the North Myrtle Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management project, contributing to a broader total of $56 million earmarked for the entire Myrtle Beach coastal management strategy.

Residents can look forward to a revitalized coastline as the efforts will not solely focus on replenishing the sand. Plans include widening the beach, reconstructing dunes, planting dune vegetation, and installing sand fencing to mitigate further erosion in the future.

As construction progresses, this project symbolizes a crucial investment in both the natural beauty of South Carolina’s coast and the safety of its communities. Whether residents are planning a beach day, looking for a stroll along the shore, or investing in coastal property, they can rest assured that significant efforts are underway to ensure the Grand Strand remains a treasured destination for all.

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Additional Resources

• Myrtle Beach Online
• Wikipedia: Beach Replenishment
• WMBF News
• Google Search: Myrtle Beach renourishment project
• Dredging Today
• Google Scholar: North Myrtle Beach renourishment
• My Horry News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Nourishment