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Nags Head officials report progress on beach nourishment; 17% of sand placed as dredges pause for weather
Summary
Public works reported that roughly 427,000 cubic yards (about 17% of plan) have been placed to date; cutterhead and hopper dredges began work in May but paused for recent seas, and contractor still projects early–mid July completion subject to weather.
Town staff told the Board of Commissioners on June 3 that the beach‑nourishment project is underway but subject to weather interruptions.
Public works staff said the cutterhead dredge RS Weeks arrived on May 19 and began pumping operations in South Nags Head but has had intermittent pauses because of anchor issues and recent wave action. A hopper dredge (RB Weeks) arrived May 25 and operated off the Nags Head Pier; staff reported the hopper dredge filled north to Bonnet Street and then continued work southward. Approximately 427,000 cubic yards of sand — about 17% of the overall project volume — had been placed on the beach at the time of the update.
David (public works) said the contractor has compacted work zones and established pedestrian corridors where possible while dredges are off station; a weekly project meeting was scheduled to obtain an updated schedule. Before the most recent weather pause the contractor was maintaining a projection of beginning–mid July to finish remaining work, but staff said that timeline is weather‑dependent.
Why it matters: The nourishment work affects beach access, public safety and coastal resilience, and the pace of work determines when full public access will be restored in specific sections.
What’s next: Staff will provide weekly progress updates and a revised schedule after the upcoming contractor meeting.
