Posted on June 24, 2026
The 2026 beach nourishment project in Avon has entered its final phase, with contractors reporting that more than three-quarters of the planned sand volume has already been placed along the oceanfront.
According to an update from Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, the hopper dredge Liberty Island completed sand placement within the northern portion of the project area on Saturday, June 20.
With work in the northern section finished, crews shifted operations south from the Pampas Drive area toward the project’s southern endpoint near Greenwood Place.
The Liberty Island departed Avon on Monday, June 22, to undergo maintenance in Norfolk, Virginia. Great Lakes reported that its hopper dredge Amelia Island is expected to arrive on site Tuesday to continue and complete the remaining nourishment work.
As of June 23, approximately 289,228 cubic yards of sand had been placed on Avon beaches since construction began on May 28. The total represents about 77% of the project’s planned sand volume, while roughly 65% of the one-mile nourishment area has been completed.
Based on current progress, Great Lakes estimates the remaining work could be finished within the next 10 days, weather permitting.
The Avon beach nourishment project is designed to widen the beach and strengthen oceanfront protections in an area that has experienced chronic erosion and periodic ocean overwash. The work is part of Dare County’s broader shoreline management efforts, which also include a larger nourishment project that will take place next in Buxton.
Construction in Avon briefly experienced delays early in the project due to mechanical issues with the Liberty Island, but operations resumed after repairs were completed. Since then, crews have steadily advanced through the project area, moving sand from offshore borrow sites onto the beach.
County officials continue to remind residents and visitors to use caution around active construction zones. Beachgoers are encouraged to obey all posted signs and follow directions from project personnel while nourishment operations remain underway.
If weather and ocean conditions remain favorable, the Avon project could be completed by early July.
