DNREC To Close Section of Indian River Inlet Due to Erosion

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation have restricted access to a 120-foot section of bulkhead at the Indian River Inlet within the Delaware Seashore State Park.

Officials say the sidewalk and adjacent capstones in the inlet have experienced significant erosion, leading to safety concerns for visitors.

The section was previously closed off in 2018 with a temporary fence and sign, but the conditions have since deteriorated further. The Army Corps will erect a chain-link fence and post signage at the location, and continue to monitor the site while long-term repair is underway. Pedestrians and visitors will still be able to access the sidewalk on either side of the closed off area.

An Army Corps hydrographic survey of the site indicated a partial slope collapse underneath the water line, likely the result of a deep hole close to the shoreline and wrong tidal currents. Both the Army Corps and DNREC are working on creating proper drainage at the location. Officials say a long term solution is pending the availability funding.