Hilton Head, South Carolina, August 4, 2025
News Summary
The start of the $47.5 million beach renourishment project at Fish Haul Beach in Hilton Head has been postponed to September 2 due to bad weather and equipment delays. The project, which aims to combat beach erosion, is crucial for protecting local wildlife and is set for completion by May 2026. Fish Haul Beach will be closed for about five days at the beginning of September as construction begins, although pre-construction activities are still on schedule.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – The start date for Hilton Head’s $47.5 million beach renourishment project has been delayed due to bad weather and unfavorable marine conditions. Originally slated to begin on August 6 at Fish Haul Beach by the contractor Marinex, the project is now scheduled to start on September 2, after equipment necessary for its execution faced delays.
The delay comes as equipment for the project, which includes dredgers crucial for sand placement, will now commence moving on August 13. Fish Haul Beach will be closed to the public for approximately five days starting in early September to ensure safety during construction activities. Despite the delay in the primary construction phase, ongoing survey work and other pre-construction activities are proceeding as planned.
Officials have emphasized that the beach renourishment project remains on track to be completed within its contractual timelines. Permit requirements stipulate that sand must be placed at Fish Haul Creek and Pine Island by October 15 in order to protect threatened species such as the piping plover and the rufa red knot.
Project Overview
The beach renourishment initiative is divided into three phases, with the initial phase having been scheduled for August. The entire project is expected to be completed by May 2026. The town typically conducts beach renourishment approximately every ten years to mitigate erosion and damage caused by storms.
Contractors plan to dredge around 2.2 million cubic yards of sand from an offshore site, with construction planned to occur around the clock and impacting approximately 300 feet of beach at a time. The Public Works Department has indicated that while parts of the beach will be closed, the public impact is expected to be minimal, given the short duration of construction activities affecting only specific sections of the beach.
Funding and Future Phases
The funding source for this substantial project relies on a town tax applied to short-term rentals and hotels within the area. As the project progresses, the third phase involves constructing breakwater structures near Pine Island; however, the schedule for this phase has yet to be finalized.
As more updates become available, residents and visitors will be kept informed about the ongoing developments of this critical coastal restoration initiative, aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of Hilton Head’s beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hilton Head beach renourishment project?
The beach renourishment project is a major coastal restoration effort aimed at combating beach erosion and storm damage by placing sand on affected beach areas.
When was the construction originally scheduled to start?
The construction was initially set to commence on August 6.
What caused the delay in the project?
Bad weather and unfavorable marine conditions led to delays in the arrival of necessary construction equipment.
When will the construction now take place?
The entirety of the construction phase is scheduled to begin on September 2.
How long will Fish Haul Beach be closed to the public?
Fish Haul Beach is expected to be closed to the public for approximately five days starting in early September.
What is the expected completion date for the project?
The beach renourishment project is anticipated to be completed by May 2026.
Key Project Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $47.5 million |
| Construction Start Date | September 2 |
| Duration of Beach Closure | Approximately five days |
| Sand Volume | 2.2 million cubic yards |
| Completion Date | May 2026 |
| Funding Source | Town tax on short-term rentals |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Delay
- Wikipedia: Beach Renourishment
- WSAV: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Moving Forward
- Google Search: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment
- Dredging Today: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project Kicks Off
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Engineering
- Island Packet: Update on Hilton Head Beach Project
- Google News: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
