Posted on March 5, 2025
Click HERE to view the interactive dredging timeline map.
The Surf City’s Banks Channel Shallow Draft Navigation Project aims to build upon the successful work completed by the Town of Topsail Beach. By increasing both the width and depth of these channels, we are dedicated to maximizing safety and ensuring the longevity of the Soundside of Topsail Island. While the Town of Topsail Beach recently finished their second channel dredging project, financial constraints prevented them from excavating sediment to the full design parameters. Surf City is committed to continuing this vital work by funding the dredging in Banks Channel to complete the navigation project.
This project will involve dredging material from the full length of Banks Channel, further improving navigation in the area.
Although the current channel is currently in good condition, if left unchecked, further shoaling over the next few years could significantly impact navigation, tourism and fishing industries on Topsail Island. To ensure the continued safe navigation and connectivity of Topsail Island’s waterways, it is crucial to complete this channel dredging.
Additionally, by utilizing the excavated sediment, which is beach-quality sand, this will assist in replenishing Surf City’s oceanfront shoreline. This project will not only benefit navigation within the waterway but also provide additional beach nourishment to the Surf City coastline.
The pipeline to move the sediment will be placed in Banks Channel and will enter Hispaniola Lane from the sound side. The estimated 21” to 36” pipe is anticipated to be buried on the north side of Hispaniola Lane to maintain access to your property and to avoid any service delivery interruptions. In addition, a covered trench will be placed over South Shore Drive to pump dredged materials to public beach access #39. These materials will be piped from access #39 north to the Surf City Fishing Pier in 500-foot sections and will restore approximately 60 feet of dry sand beach along this area. Council also approved an additional 1000′ of sediment be placed north of the pier. Temporary crossings will be placed over the pipe every 500ft-700ft so residents can access the oceanfront.
This project is expected to be completed by late March 2025.
