Posted on January 19, 2026
DNREC initiated construction of the Broadkill Beach Dune Realignment Project as a targeted effort to reduce ongoing dune losses and improve the effectiveness of storm protection along approximately one mile of shoreline.
Work began on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, to realign and reconstruct the existing artificial dune and create a broader, more gently sloping beach.
For more information on the dune realignment project, please contact the DNREC Shoreline and Waterway Management Section, at DNREC_shorelines@delaware.gov.
Why Beach Repair is Needed
This project addresses erosion patterns that have persisted since the 2015 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dune construction, which has experienced continued sand losses due to natural coastal processes. The main goal of this project is to reposition sand into the upper beach and dune areas, where it will stay in place better during storms instead of being repeatedly washed away.
The dune is being shifted slightly inland and reshaped based on known erosion trends to make it more stable and able to protect the beach during strong or repeated storms. Over the past decade, the shoreline has naturally curved and shifted due to waves, tides, and currents. This change means the straight, linear dune built in 2015 no longer matches the shape of the shoreline, leading to sand loss in some areas.
By realigning the dune and beach, this project restores the natural relationship between the dune and shoreline and improves long-term protection.
Surveys show that some areas are losing 9 to 18 feet of sand per year, especially near the Route 16 beach access, and storms have caused dunes to drop two to three feet in places.
Without repair, the dunes cannot fully protect the beach or nearby homes during storms.
What the Project Does
The project moves sand to the upper beach and dune areas where it will stay in place better during storms. The dune is being shifted slightly inland and reshaped to make it more stable and able to protect the shoreline during strong or repeated storms.
Sand is being moved within the project area. About 9,000 cubic yards of sand are being repositioned to strengthen the dune, while some sand naturally continues to be lost offshore or to nearby areas. This amount of sand is roughly equal to what a moderate coastal storm would normally wash away from this stretch of beach.
This project improves dune alignment and beach shape but cannot stop natural erosion completely. Storms will continue to move sand and may temporarily change the beach and dune system.
Permitting
The project underwent a USACE Section 408 review, including a federal public notice in 2025, to make sure it does not harm the existing federal dune system. DNREC secured all necessary easements from private property owners before construction began.
Timeline
Construction is expected to take about four weeks (early February completion), weather permitting. Work includes:
- Rough and fine grading of the dune and beach
- Grading of pedestrian crossovers
- Installing post-and-rope fences and dune sand fencing
A second phase will occur in March 2026, when DNREC will organize a volunteer dune grass planting to stabilize the new dunes and help protect the coastline.
DNREC thanks Broadkill Beach residents and visitors for their cooperation during construction and is committed to using science-based approaches to manage Delaware’s coastline.
For more information, please contact DNREC_shorelines@delaware.gov.
