June 10, 2022

Kill Devil Hills
Beach Nourishment Update

Please note: The below email includes the most recent information the Town has received and it is subject to change by the contractor at any time. 

The beach construction for Kill Devil Hills’ nourishment project is anticipated to begin on Monday, June 13^th. The project will only be taking place from the north town line south to Prospect Avenue – which is approximately 2.6 miles of our Town. The project is proposed to start around First Street and move south then turn back north. It is anticipated that our Town’s project will last approximately 25-35 days.

On Saturday, June 11^th, a 500’ section at the Walker Street Beach Access will be closed while a sub-line is being delivered and put into place. Sub-lines are the pipes used to pump sand from the dredge onto the beach.

The Fifth Street Beach Access remains closed and will remain closed during the construction of the southern portion of the project. There will be limited pedestrian access depending on when equipment is being mobilized in the access. At this time, there is no set date for the access re-opening.

Closures associated with the beach nourishment project are done to ensure the safety of the public. Active construction and staging areas will be clearly marked and secured with fencing and ribbon to form a protective barrier. Due to the potential hazards to the public that are presented by heavy equipment and construction activities, these areas will also be monitored 24/7 by security personnel. To prevent accidents, injuries, and interruptions, the public is asked to avoid active construction sites whenever possible and to exercise caution near construction fencing and staging areas.

How long will construction affect my property on the Outer Banks? Approximately 1,000 feet of the beach will be directly impacted during construction at any given time—and a portion of this area that is under construction may also be closed to ensure public safety during these construction operations.

Beach nourishment construction operations are anticipated to impact the properties along that particular stretch of shoreline for a period of three to six days, although this can change depending on a variety of factors. Once a particular section of sand is pumped into place that area will likely be reopened for use within 24-48 hours. 

How does this affect my beach day? You will still be able to enjoy days at the beach even with the project taking place. Throughout the construction process, the contractor will strive to maintain access to the beach; however, there may be areas that will be temporarily closed for safety reasons. You will still be able to get to the beach and set-up to the north or south of the active project zone, but this zone will be closed to the public for safety reasons.