Posted on October 5, 2026
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company has announced that the 2026 Buxton beach nourishment project has been completed, with the contractor delivering the final load of sand on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Approximately 1.9 million cubic yards of sand was placed along the shoreline within the project area, providing increased protection for infrastructure and N.C. Highway 12. The only area that was not able to be nourished as originally planned was the northern taper, one of the least vulnerable areas of the project.
The project was completed in 69 calendar days, despite an interruption caused by a powerful late-September nor’easter. The final volume of sand is just short of the contract amount because operations ended earlier than anticipated due to the incidental take of seven sea turtles, reaching the limit established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) special use permit. This occurred despite numerous protective measures in place to avoid impacts to turtles. The decision to end work was made in close coordination with resource and regulatory agencies, including U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and USACE.
Crews are removing equipment and shore pipe and restoring access areas, with demobilization expected by Thursday, October 15, 2026, weather permitting. Native dune grasses are scheduled for installation in November to support the long-term development of Buxton’s restored beach and dune system.
View the 2026 Buxton Beach Nourishment Project Progress Map
View the Buxton Beach Nourishment Newsletter Issue 5
For more information about beach nourishment—including answers to a variety of frequently asked questions—visit MoreBeachToLove.com.
