Posted on July 14, 2026
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company has announced an updated timeline for the Buxton beach nourishment project, with the dredge Liberty Island now expected to arrive in Dare County during the week of Monday, July 27, 2026.* This revised schedule is approximately one week later than the previously anticipated arrival during the week of July 20, 2026.
To help maintain the original construction schedule, Great Lakes has also announced that a second dredge will arrive in Dare County in mid-August 2026 to assist with the Buxton project. With the addition of the second dredge, the project is expected to remain on schedule for completion by September 30, 2026.*
On June 22, 2026, the Liberty Island departed the Avon beach nourishment project and traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, for maintenance and repairs. Shortly thereafter, the hopper dredge Amelia Island arrived in Dare County to complete the Avon beach nourishment project while repairs were underway. Beach nourishment in Avon was successfully completed on June 25, 2026.
During maintenance in Norfolk, it was determined that the Liberty Island requires the replacement of a specialized pump used for beach nourishment operations. Great Lakes is currently awaiting fabrication and installation of the replacement pump before the dredge can resume pumping sand. While awaiting this specialized component, the Liberty Island is temporarily working on another project that does not require pumping operations. The vessel is not performing beach nourishment or dredging work elsewhere that would otherwise delay its arrival in Buxton.
Once the replacement pump has been installed, the Liberty Island will depart for Dare County and is expected to arrive during the week of Monday, July 27, 2026, when beach nourishment operations in Buxton will begin. Approximately 2 million cubic yards of sand will be placed along Buxton’s oceanfront beaches over an estimated 95-day construction period, depending on weather and ocean conditions.*
Click here to view the Buxton beach nourishment project map.
Residents and visitors will begin seeing mobilization activities in Buxton over the coming weeks as preparations continue for the project. These activities will primarily include staging and stockpiling equipment on private lots along Cottage Avenue, Cape Court and Old Lighthouse Road.
To sign up to receive email updates on the Buxton beach nourishment project, click here.
For more information about beach nourishment projects in Dare County—including a list of frequently asked questions—visit MoreBeachToLove.com.
