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Nags Head approves post‑nourishment survey as engineers outline May–July dredging plan
Summary
Engineers and the contractor briefed the Nags Head Board on the 2026 beach nourishment plan, which will use two dredges and run mobilization in April with dredging May 4–July 6; the board approved a $71,980 post‑nourishment survey contract and adopted a resolution seeking Local Government Commission approval for a special obligation bond to reimburse project costs.
Engineers and contractor representatives told the Town of Nags Head Board of Commissioners on April 1 that the town’s 2026 beach‑nourishment project will use two dredges operating in parallel to shorten work time and target high‑need reaches.
Dr. Beth Shidome of Moffatt & Nichol said the contractor plans shore‑side mobilization beginning April 19 and in‑water pipeline installation from about April 23, with both dredges expected to operate starting around May 4. The plan calls for a cutter (cutter‑head) dredge to work the southern corridor and a hopper dredge (the Magdalene) to place material in northern reaches; final dredging operations are scheduled to be complete by July 6, with dune planting and sand‑fencing to follow.
The board emphasized public safety and access planning. Engineers said work will run 24/7 in active areas with daytime work‑area closures of roughly 1,500–2,000 feet and nighttime closures near 1,000 feet, but that contractors must install sand ramps at public access points so the public can reach open segments. The contractor will provide daily work‑area updates and the town will update a progress map online. Environmental measures include nightly sea‑turtle monitoring during nesting season, daily clearance surveys by nesting‑season monitors, weekly sediment compatibility testing, and post‑placement compaction monitoring with remedial beach tilling where needed.
After the presentation, the board approved a motion authorizing the town manager to execute a post‑nourishment beach‑condition survey with McKim & Creed for $71,980. The contract will provide the comprehensive coverage needed for the town’s FEMA eligibility and long‑term monitoring program. David (town staff) and Dr. Shidome said the post‑construction survey also will help determine where the contractor should place an awarded 200,000 cubic yards of additional (additive) material identified in the contract.
The board also adopted a resolution directing staff to pursue Local Government Commission approval of a special obligation bond and declaring the town’s intent to reimburse itself for capital expenditures from bond proceeds. Finance staff said the authorization supports cash flow and reimbursement of pre‑funded project costs.
What happens next: contractor mobilization and survey work will proceed in April, dredging and beach operations are scheduled through early July, and the town will publish daily progress updates. The board will continue weekly coordination meetings with the engineer, the contractor and environmental monitors to track operations and any permit compliance issues.
Speakers quoted or paraphrased in this article are identified from the meeting transcript and include town staff and the project engineer.
