June 17, 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 began on Monday, June 13th. The project began around First Street and is moving south. Once contractors complete the construction to Prospect Avenue, they will then turn back north to complete the area from First Street to the KDH/Kitty Hawk Town border. The turn back north will likely occur sometime this weekend. 

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. It is anticipated that our Town’s project will last approximately 25-35 days. The contractor performing beach nourishment operations typically work 24/7 until the project is complete. (It is important to note that these schedules are subject to change due to a variety of factors, including weather, mechanical equipment issues, etc.)

View our project map to see where construction is taking place, what areas have already been completed, and if there are any closures. The map is updated daily: Town of KDH Beach Nourishment Map

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.

How long will construction affect my property? 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 in order to ensure public safety during these construction operations. Once a particular section of sand is pumped into place, that area will likely be reopened for use within 24-48 hours.

Does beach nourishment really work? Doesn’t the sand just eventually wash away?
The primary goal of beach nourishment is to protect infrastructure, such as N.C. Highway 12, from damage due to storm surge and overwash. By widening the existing beaches through nourishment, we are creating a larger buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and the highway, which ultimately provides it with a higher level of protection and stronger defense against storms. It’s important to note that shoreline erosion following a beach nourishment project is expected and does not mean the project was unsuccessful. The additional sand that is moved off the dry sand beach still stays in the system which helps knock down wave energy before it gets to the shoreline.

Looking for answers to general project questions, funding and maintenance, the construction process, and more visit the FAQs page on the More Beach To Love website. 

We understand that summer is an inconvenient time for the beach nourishment project to be taking place, but it is the safest time for the crews. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this process, as beach nourishment is vital to the future of our communities.

Of note: Replies to this email are not received by Town Staff. Emails may be sent to rachel@kdhnc.com or meredith@kdhnc.com