Categories: Conway, SCEvents/What's HappeningGeorgetown, SCNews

Grand Strand Beaches Undergo Major Renovation

Dredges and machinery at work on the Grand Strand beaches, enhancing the coastal landscape.

News Summary

The Grand Strand region will soon see a significant renovation of its beaches, stretching over 26 miles. The $72 million renourishment project aims to restore areas damaged by Hurricanes Debby and Ian. Popular locations including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach will be targeted, deploying large dredges to transport fresh sand. While portions of the beach will be closed for safety, beachgoers can still enjoy many open areas. The project emphasizes both restoration and the protection of local wildlife, anticipating completion in about 18 months.

Grand Strand Beaches Set for Major Renovation

As the sun gets ready to shine this spring, so does the plan for a huge renourishment project aimed at reviving the picturesque Grand Strand beaches. Stretching over 26 miles along the coastline, this ambitious initiative will bring in fresh sand to help restore areas damaged by the relentless forces of Hurricanes Debby and Ian. The investment? A whopping $72 million provided through federal emergency funding.

A Detailed Plan for Beach Restoration

The renourishment project will see extensive construction efforts along not just one, but several popular beach areas, including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City. This extensive work is a response to a recent damage assessment requested from the Army Corps of Engineers, concluding that beach replenishment is essential to protect these beautiful spots from future storm impacts.

To kick off this project, expect to see large hopper dredges stationed offshore. These massive machines will meticulously pump sand from the ocean floor, separating the sand from water using specialized hoppers and filters. Once prepared, the sand will be transported right up to the shore, about three miles away, where bulldozers will take over to spread it evenly across the beach. It’s like Mother Nature getting a much-needed spa day!

What to Expect During the Project

While the project is set to begin, beachgoers should note that some portions of the beach will be closed to the public during the construction. In total, there will be 1,000-foot sections shut down to ensure safety as the heavy equipment, bulldozers, and pipelines roll through. However, don’t worry too much—most areas will remain open for you to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

A construction tracker map will be made available by the Army Corps of Engineers online, allowing everyone to stay updated with any closure specifics. And don’t forget, the construction zones will be clearly marked, and it’s super important for everyone to respect the barriers and signage in place. Safety first!

Wildlife Considerations

In addition to beachgoers, the renourishment efforts will also take our local wildlife into serious account. The Army Corps of Engineers will carefully monitor shorebirds and take necessary steps to relocate any sea turtles and nests found in the construction zones. In cases where sea turtles are spotted, work in those areas will come to a stop to ensure their safety is prioritized.

The Project’s Timeline

The total project is expected to take about 18 months to complete, but the exact start date is still being fine-tuned and will be confirmed soon. It’s a big project that requires careful planning and execution, but the end result promises to be worth the wait! An astounding two million cubic yards of sand—that’s equivalent to around 200,000 dump trucks—will be added along the coastline, enhancing both its beauty and safety.

Construction will extend from public beach access 29 in Garden City all the way to Cherry Grove Point in North Myrtle Beach, making sure many popular beach spots get the attention they deserve. Note, though, that there will be some gaps at Myrtle Beach State Park and between Singleton Swash and White Point Swash where project activity will not occur.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned as more details about the construction timeline and contractor work plans will be released as they become available. With this major project, the Grand Strand beaches are set to not only recover from past storm damages but emerge even more inviting for all who love the coastal vibe.

Let’s get excited for a summer of fun, sun, and pristine beaches! The Grand Strand is gearing up for a fabulous facelift that will have beach enthusiasts and tourists eagerly flocking to the shores in the years to come.