Beach nourishment operations in Avon to resume; Dredge Liberty Island arrives

July 8, 2022 | Local News

Aerial image of the subline in Avon, north of the Avon Pier. Image courtesy of Coastal Science & Engineering. Photo taken on June 22, 2022.

Dare County provided the following updates on the 2022 Avon and Buxton beach nourishment projects as of Friday, July 8. Details on the progress of both projects are below.

Avon Beach Nourishment:

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. has announced that the dredge Liberty Island arrived in Dare County on the morning of Friday, July 8, 2022.

Once a series of required state and federal tests and inspections are completed, the dredge is expected to begin pumping sand along the shoreline in Avon from a landing point located approximately 500 feet north of Avon Pier. Beach nourishment operations in Avon could therefore begin as early as Friday evening, July 8, 2022.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. plans to proceed heading south for 800 feet through Avon Pier and then reposition the pipe in order to pump sand toward the northern project boundary, which is located near Due East Road.

Click here to view the Avon project progress map, which shows areas of the shoreline where beach nourishment has already been completed as well as areas that are currently under construction.

Aerial image of beach nourishment progress in Buxton, courtesy of Coastal Science & Engineering. Photo taken July 8, 2022.

Buxton Beach Nourishment:

On Thursday, June 30, 2022, the dredge Ellis Island began pumping sand along the beach from a landing point located near the south end of Tower Circle in Buxton. Beach nourishment operations will continue heading south toward the southern end of the project area, which is located near the original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site.

Click here to view the Buxton project map, which shows the section of shoreline where beach nourishment is currently underway, as well as areas that are closed for the staging of construction equipment.

Looking Ahead:

Due to predicted high sea conditions this weekend, dredging operations may be paused for extended periods to ensure the crew’s safety.

With the flexibility of having both the Ellis Island and the Liberty Island on site in Dare County, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. may switch dredge assignments between Buxton and Avon to achieve optimal production for each project.

For more detailed information about the Avon and Buxton beach nourishment projects, please click the button below.

ORV Ramp 38 Reminder:

Throughout this summer, Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s off-road vehicle (ORV) Ramp 38 will remain open, but visitors with beach driving permits can expect some intermittent, short-term delays entering and exiting the ramp as beach nourishment equipment is moved safely to and from the beach.

Although the ramp will remain open, the parking lot at ORV Ramp 38 will be closed this summer. Visitors who planned to park in the parking lot at ORV Ramp 38 should instead consider using nearby parking lots at Haulover Sound Access and Kite Point Sound Access.

Visit www.MoreBeachToLove.com for the latest information about all 2022 beach nourishment projects taking place in Dare County, including projected timelines and answers to the most frequently asked question