Hilton Head Island, September 9, 2025
News Summary
A $47.5 million beach renourishment project is set to commence on Hilton Head Island, focusing on restoring the shoreline. With over 15,000 feet of pipeline installed, the project aims to transport 2.2 million cubic yards of sand to combat coastal erosion. The first phase begins on August 6, expecting to complete by May 2026, whilst drastically impacting parts of Fish Haul Beach. This initiative reflects a continuing effort for shoreline preservation, conducted every ten years.
Hilton Head Island – A significant beach renourishment project valued at $47.5 million is set to begin, focusing on the restoration of the island’s shoreline. Marinex Construction crews are presently busy installing over 15,000 feet of pipeline, part of their efforts to transport sand from Bay Point Shoals to the shoreline at Fish Haul Creek.
The project is projected to utilize a total of roughly 20,000 feet of pipe reaching nearly four miles to funnel approximately 2.2 million cubic yards of sand onto the beaches. The installation of these pipes is expected to conclude this week, allowing the initial phase of sand pumping to begin shortly after, contingent on favorable weather and equipment conditions.
This beach renourishment initiative, covering five areas of the island’s shoreline, aims to follow in the footsteps of previous projects conducted in 1990, 1997, 2006, and 2016. The first construction phase is scheduled to start on August 6 at Fish Haul Beach, expecting completion in May 2026.
The imperative for this undertaking lies in mitigating the ongoing effects of storms and coastal erosion, with the town traditionally engaging in beach renourishment approximately every ten years. Construction will include dredging sand from an offshore location, which will then be transported via pipes to replenish the beach.
In anticipation of construction activities, Fish Haul Beach Park will close for about five days starting August 6. The project will involve heavy machinery such as bulldozers, alongside offshore barges, to effectively manage and distribute sand across the beach. During the process, approximately 300 feet of the beach will experience direct impact at any given time, with construction occurring around the clock.
The third phase, which centers on the installation of breakwater structures near Pine Island, remains without a detailed schedule at this time. Town officials are actively monitoring sand erosion data provided by a consultant, assessing cubic yards to determine specific areas requiring renourishment. Ultimately, the goal of this project is to ensure the protection and maintenance of the beach dunes for a projected ten-year timeframe.
Project Timeline and Impact
The timeline for the Hilton Head Island beach renourishment project is clearly mapped out, including specific milestones and the expected footprint of construction efforts:
- August 6, 2025: Construction begins at Fish Haul Beach.
- May 2026: Anticipated completion of the first construction phase.
- Ongoing impacts: Construction affects approximately 300 feet of beach at a time, with specific 1,000-foot sections closed temporarily.
Long-term Goals
The overarching objective of this comprehensive beach renourishment project revolves around safeguarding the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island’s beaches while providing essential protection against erosion and the elements in the years to come.
FAQs about Hilton Head Island’s Beach Renourishment Project
What is the total cost of the beach renourishment project?
The total cost of the project is $47.5 million.
When is the construction scheduled to commence?
Construction is scheduled to begin on August 6, 2025.
How much sand will be placed on the beaches?
Approximately 2.2 million cubic yards of sand will be added to the beaches during this project.
How long will the construction last?
The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by May 2026.
Are there any closures during the construction?
Yes, Fish Haul Beach Park will be closed for about five days starting from August 6 due to construction activities.
How frequently does the town conduct beach renourishment?
The town pursues beach renourishment roughly every ten years to combat erosion and storm damage.
Key Features of the Beach Renourishment Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $47.5 million |
| Total Sand to be Added | 2.2 million cubic yards |
| Total Length of Pipeline | 20,000 feet |
| Start Date | August 6, 2025 |
| Completion Date | May 2026 |
| Impact Area | About 300 feet of beach at a time |
| Beach Closure Duration | Fish Haul Beach Park closed for approximately 5 days |
| Frequency of Renourishment | Every 10 years |
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Additional Resources
- Dredging Today: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet: Local News on Hilton Head
- Google Search: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment
- WTOC: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Beach Renourishment Details
- Google News: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment
- Island Packet: Further News on Hilton Head
- Baird Maritime: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Overview
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.
