Big Changes Coming to Hilton Head Beaches!

Big Changes Coming to Hilton Head Beaches!

Hey there, beach lovers! If you’re planning to visit Hilton Head this summer, you might notice some big machines and a flurry of activity on our beautiful shores. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the exciting 2025 beach restoration project aimed at keeping our sandy paradise in tip-top shape.

What’s Happening?

Hilton Head’s beach renourishment marks the fourth major project dedicated to restoring and enhancing our beaches since the island’s initial restoration 34 years ago. This time around, the Town of Hilton Head Island is sponsoring and funding the project. With a hefty price tag of $16.5 million, it’s clear that they mean business!

The project is being engineered by Olsen Associates, who has a rich history with the island, having previously executed the first restoration back in 1990. They’re back at it again to ensure our beaches are not only beautiful but also safe and healthy for both residents and tourists.

Where Will the Sand Go?

After some careful planning, here’s the scoop on where all that sand will be placed:

• South Beach & South Island: A whopping 750,000 cubic yards of sand will be added to the southern Atlantic Ocean shoreline.
• Central Island: Expect to see 700,000 cubic yards of sand spread along 28,860 feet of the beautiful Atlantic shoreline.
• The Heel: 500,000 cubic yards will make their way to the northeast point of the island where the Atlantic meets Port Royal Sound.
• Fish Haul Creek: 50,000 cubic yards of sand will be added here, enriching the Port Royal Sound shoreline.
• Pine Island: 180,000 cubic yards will be added, along with the construction of six rock breakwaters to protect the shoreline.

Project Timeline

Now, you might be wondering when all of this is going to happen. The project kicks off in the summer of 2025 and is broken into three different phases:

• Phase 1: From June 2025 to October 2025, work will start at The Heel, Fish Haul Creek, Port Royal Plantation, and Pine Island.
• Phase 2: From September 2025 to May 2026, the focus will shift to Central Island, South Island, and South Beach.
• Phase 3: The timing for this leg of the project has not yet been determined, but it will include the structures at Pine Island.

What to Expect

So, how will this all affect your beach plans? Good news! The Town of Hilton Head assures everyone that only 1,000 feet of beach access will be restricted each day during the project. This means that just 2% of the beaches will be closed off at any given time, keeping the majority of our stunning coastline open for fun and relaxation.

The project aims to be as non-disruptive as possible, with construction expected to last around six months, while operating around the clock. Can you believe it? Beach renourishment is a crucial process that helps protect our environment and ensures that our shores remain safe and enjoyable!

Why Beach Renourishment?

As ocean waters naturally ebb and flow, they shape our shoreline, which can lead to erosion over time. But with beach renourishment, we can replace and restore the sand to keep our beaches healthy. This not only enhances the experience for beachgoers but also provides a crucial habitat for endangered species like sea turtles and various birds.

Plus, extra sand means better storm protection for homes, businesses, and other structures along the shore. More beach space means more room for activities like sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball!

So there you have it, Hilton Head! Get ready for some exciting transformations coming our way. Let’s embrace the changes and welcome the beautiful beaches that will result from the 2025 beach renourishment project!