UPDATED: Dredging to Restore Beach North of Indian River Inlet Underway
Image courtesy DNREC
Image courtesy DNREC
UPDATED – 12/23/24 – Sand pumping and placement on the north side of the Indian River Inlet began on December 2nd and DNREC officials say significant progress has been made. This project is aimed at restoring the severely eroded beach and protect critical transportation infrastructure along Route 1. The contractor, Dredgit Corp. says that as of December 22 over 130,700 cubic yards of sand has been dredged and placed toward at targeted total of 380,000 cubic yards to be reached by late February of 2025. During the latest 24-hour period for which volume is available, almost 10,000 CY of sand were pumped onto the inlet’s north side beach and dune. Dredgit has committed to working 24/7 – including through the holidays to meet the project goals and ensure the beach and dunes are restored as quickly as possible.
Additional information from DNREC:
“This project reflects a great team effort, from the time we began hauling sand by truck in the summer to now maintaining efficient round-the-clock operations,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We remain committed to getting the work done while continuing to keep the public informed about the project.”
The DNREC-led phase of the project will conclude in February, followed by a second phase of the emergency dredging project to be led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2025. Both DNREC and the Corps of Engineers believe this approach will continue to provide long-term protection of both the beach and dune, and critical infrastructure, including State Route 1, for the Indian River Inlet area.
During the project, DNREC also reminds beachgoers and outdoors recreationalists, including surfers, that because of the dredging and beach nourishment work, the north side beach at Delaware Seashore State Park will be temporarily closed to ensure public safety. DNREC continues to monitor the situation and will coordinate with the contractor on reopening this popular area when it can be deemed safe for park visitors and surfers. For more updates, visit de.gov/irnorth.
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ORIGINAL STORY – 11/25/24 – An emergency dredging project to restore the beach area north of the Indian River Inlet is now underway. This project is needed to protect transportation infrastructure – including Coastal Highway, which is an emergency evacuation route. Beach-goers are cautioned that the area from the North Campground to the northbound lanes of Route 1 will have limited access for pedestrians and bicycles and access is discouraged.
Officials say up to 380,000 cubic yards of sand will be dredged from a shoal on the south side of the Inlet and used to rebuild the beach and dune system. The project has been made possible through expedited permitting by the US Army Corps of Engineers and funding approved by the Delaware General Assembly.
A second phase of nourishment work is scheduled for 2025 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide the remaining sand to complete the project.
Additional information from DNREC:
For those who disregard closures or safety instructions, the Delaware Natural Resources Police may issue enforcement actions, as these measures are necessary to protect the public and ensure work can proceed safely and efficiently.
The $15 million emergency project comes from funds made available by Governor John Carney and approved by the General Assembly. It will restore thousands of linear feet of eroding shoreline on the north side of the Charles W. Cullen Memorial Bridge, an area that has experienced two dune breaches since March closing portions of the Coastal Highway, an emergency evacuation route.
Up to 380,000 cubic yards of sand from a shoal on the south side of the Indian River Inlet will be dredged and used to rebuild the beach and dune system. Dredged material will be transported via pipeline and screened for munitions and explosives of concern prior to placement on the beach. Sand will be spread and graded to rebuild the dune system to an overall elevation of 16 feet by 25 feet wide.
The beach will be constructed to an elevation of 9.2 feet, or about 7 feet above the average high tide, and width of approximately 100 feet. The final beach width will be determined by the available dredge volume.
“This state-funded dredging project will restore the beach damaged by the August 18 dune breach,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The first phase of the project will protect vital transportation infrastructure while the Army Corps of Engineers prepares the second phase for 2025. We are very grateful to Senator Carper for his support and the Corps for expediting the permits to address this emergency situation.”
The project has been made possible through expedited permitting by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and a second phase of nourishment work is scheduled for 2025 by USACE to provide the remaining sand to complete the project.
The U.S. Coast Guard has already given notice for mariners to exercise caution and maintain safe distance from the ongoing dredging activity – to include floating and submerged pipelines, the dredge and support vessels in the area of the operation in the Indian River Inlet.
Updates on the project and timelines for reopening the north side beach will be shared as progress is made. For more information, visit de.gov/irnorth.
