Myrtle Beach Prepares for $72 Million Beach Renourishment Project

News Summary

Myrtle Beach is set to undergo a significant $72 million beach renourishment project to combat erosion caused by recent hurricanes. The project aims to restore twenty-six miles of coastline and will involve large hopper dredges to pump sand from the ocean floor. Portions of the beach will be temporarily closed during construction, projected to last 18 months. This effort is critical for public safety and will support the local economy, emphasizing the need for resilience against future storm events.

Myrtle Beach Set for $72 Million Beach Renourishment Project

The picturesque Grand Strand coastline of Myrtle Beach is gearing up for a significant *revitalization effort* this spring. In the wake of recent hurricane damages, a **$72 million renourishment project** is set to transform twenty-six miles of stunning beach front. This much-needed project comes as a response to substantial erosion caused by Hurricanes Debby and Ian in 2024 and 2022 respectively.

Impact on the Public and Beach Access

As the construction gears up, portions of the beach will be temporarily closed to ensure safety during operations. Beachgoers should be prepared to plan their visits accordingly. Specific closed areas will span **1,000-foot sections of the beach**, while other zones will remain accessible for use. For those looking to stay updated, detailed information on which areas are closed can be accessed online via a designated link from the Army Corps of Engineers.

How the Project Will Work

The sizeable undertaking will involve the use of large *hopper dredges*, which will operate offshore to pump sand from the ocean floor. This **two million cubic yards of material**, equivalent to the contents of **200,000 dump trucks**, will then be pumped three miles onto the beach. Once the sand reaches its destination, bulldozers will spread it evenly along the sand, restoring the beach to its former glory.

The Engineering Response to Hurricane Damage

Following extensive damage assessments requested by local municipalities, including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City, the Army Corps of Engineers concluded that beach renourishment is not just necessary but crucial. This project will help to *reduce risks to life and infrastructure* beyond the dunes during future storm events, essentially fortifying the coastline against nature’s powerful forces.

Project Duration and Operations Timeline

The construction is projected to span approximately **18 months**, with ongoing efforts to ensure minimal disruption to the public. The exact start date of the project will be revealed once contractor plans are finalized. The awarded contract for the job has been given to *Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company*, who are expected to begin operations that will affect the coastline from **public beach access 29 in Garden City to Cherry Grove Point in North Myrtle Beach**. However, two notable gaps in construction will be observed at Myrtle Beach State Park and from Singleton Swash to White Point Swash.

Public Safety Measures in Place

Public safety remains a primary concern during this significant construction phase. Marked zones will guide individuals around active work areas, and the public is urged to respect all signage and barriers for their own safety. Heavy equipment, including bulldozers and pipes, will be actively in use, thus requiring attention and caution while navigating the beach areas.

Support for the Local Economy

The revitalization project holds considerable implications for the local economy as well. With the tourism industry in the Grand Strand valued at an impressive **$12.5 billion annually**, sustaining this crucial sector through coastal resilience remains imperative. The updates on project timelines, including construction progress and any public safety notifications, will be consistently shared through the Army Corps of Engineers’ website and social media platforms.

As Myrtle Beach prepares for this transformative project, both residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with updates on the construction. The commitment to rebuilding and enhancing the iconic Grand Strand beaches will surely elevate the coastal experience for future generations.

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Additional Resources

• My Horry News
• Wikipedia: Beach Renourishment
• WMBF News
• Google Search: US Army Corps of Engineers Myrtle Beach
• Dredging Today
• Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach renourishment
• WPDE News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane repair