July 15, 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 nourishment project which began in Kill Devil Hills on June 13, 2022, is nearing completion! The contractors anticipate finishing the KDH section next week. Although work may be finished in our Town, the staging area at Helga Street, as well as pipes and other equipment at Walker Street will still be present as the construction begins in the Town of Kitty Hawk. Once the contractors can get far enough into Kitty Hawk, they will move all of the pipes and equipment there – this is expected to occur at the end of this month.

Reminder: Active construction and staging areas will be marked and secured with fencing and ribbon to form a protective barrier. Please avoid the active construction zones and obey all directions from their safety personnel. 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.

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

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.

How often does beach nourishment have to be done?
Beach nourishment projects in Dare County are designed to last approximately five years under normal conditions. At the end of each five-year interval, renourishment (maintenance) projects are necessary to restore the shoreline.

Why is beach nourishment so important?
The barrier island beaches of the Outer Banks are beautiful, but they are also incredibly fragile. Beach nourishment is vital in protecting our infrastructure: roads, utilities, and homes. In addition to protection, beach nourishment also provides a wider recreational beach for residents, visitors, and property owners to enjoy, as well as additional habitat for various species of wildlife. 

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. 

The Town and contractors appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding throughout this project. 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