Beach Nourishment in Nags Head

Healthy beaches absorb the brunt force of waves, wind, tides, currents, and storms, allowing dunes to protect infrastructure. Beaches and dune systems require nourishment to protect, maintain, and preserve the entire coastal system. 

Erosion

Energy, wind, waves, tides, currents, and storms all generate energy that impacts our barrier islands and shape the shoreline and beaches. Naturally occurring erosion removes sand and deposits it offshore. Over time, waves return some of the sand to the beach. Storms with heavy surf and high winds can cause erosion to occur with increased intensity and frequency.

Beach Nourishment Benefits

Beaches are an integral part of the quality of life in Dare County and support homes, businesses, and related infrastructure (roads, utilities) for many residents and visitors. More than just a playground, beaches are environmental treasures and tremendous economic assets for our community. In addition, beaches provide protection for coastal estuaries, upland structures, and the mainland. 

Mobilization of beach nourishment equipment may begin up to 30 days before active construction. Historically, beach nourishment activities have typically occurred between May and August, when winds are lower and wave conditions are calmer.

The exact dates of construction, as well as a construction progress map (when a project is underway), can be found here. Note that schedules are subject to change due to a variety of factors such as weather, equipment issues, etc. 

Visitors who are vacationing in areas where beach nourishment construction is underway may notice the presence of bulldozers, loaders, and excavators during their stay. In addition to heavy earth-moving equipment, small sections of the beach may be closed for a few days (possibly several in the very southern end of Nags Head) to ensure the safety of the public during construction operations. A walking corridor at the base of the dunes, but out of the construction area, may be available on sections of the beach if work is not being performed close to the dunes. 

A pipe will be laid along the beach parallel to the shoreline to allow sand to be pumped from the offshore borrow source onto the active construction site. This pipe will be visible on the beach; however, sand ramps will be built over it to provide safe and easy access to the ocean. In addition to the closed active construction zone, some smaller areas of the beach may be closed to stage equipment.

Please be patient as these much-needed projects are completed. 

Below is a video from our 2019 project that illustrates how beach nourishment construction affects the shoreline. Please note that on the north side of the construction area, a newly reopened section of the beach is visible, where visitors are already enjoying the new beach.

Offshore dredges used to transport sand to the beach during nourishment projects can operate only under specific wind and wave conditions, which are typically more favorable during the summer months on the Outer Banks.

Additionally, the storms that commonly impact our area in the fall, winter, and early spring can create hazardous conditions for the crews working on the nourishment project.