Posted on July 20, 2026
Gator Dredging completed the $26.5mil New Smyrna Beach Shoreline Restoration Project in partnership with Volusia County,Fl. in 2026. The project restored portions of the shoreline impacted by recent storm events while providing increased protection for coastal infrastructure, public access, and environmentally sensitive areas.
The project consisted of placing approximately 550,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand along more than four miles of New Smyrna Beach to rebuild the protective berm and restore the recreational beach. Material was obtained from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Rattlesnake Island Dredged Material Management Area (DMMA), allowing beneficial reuse of previously dredged material for beach restoration.
During construction, Gator Dredging implemented value engineering initiatives that reduced overall project costs while maintaining the project schedule and design requirements. By optimizing value engineering, Gator Dredging provided the client with a more efficient approach without compromising safety, quality, or environmental compliance.
Construction was performed within an active public beach environment, requiring close coordination with Volusia County, project engineers, environmental consultants, regulatory agencies, and local stakeholders. Work included mobilization, floating and upland pipeline installation, hydraulic sand placement, beach grading, pipeline relocations, environmental monitoring, and final demobilization. Careful planning and communication allowed construction to progress while minimizing impacts to beach access, nearby residents, visitors, and local businesses.
Following sand placement, Gator completed an extensive dune restoration effort designed to provide long-term shoreline stabilization and erosion control. More than 550,000 native dune plants were installed along the restored beach to stabilize the dune system, reduce wind erosion, and promote natural sand accretion. An additional 100,000 native plants were installed throughout the Rattlesnake Island DMMA to stabilize disturbed areas, reduce erosion, and restore vegetation within the borrow site. These restoration efforts enhance the long-term stability of the project while improving habitat for native coastal species.
The project was completed ahead of the 2026 summer season, allowing the beach to fully reopen before Memorial Day. The completed restoration strengthened the dune system and provided increased storm protection for adjacent homes, public infrastructure, utilities, and recreational areas while improving the long-term resilience of New Smyrna Beach.
