Posted on July 1, 2026
CHARLESTON — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, is advising the public on specific beach access and construction activities in Myrtle Beach for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. While active sand placement should finish by Friday, additional activities will continue and require a section of the beach to remain closed.
Sand placement and equipment trucking will take place Friday, July 3, near the 2nd Ave. Pier and 3rd Ave. S. The 3rd Ave. S access point will have limited access Friday but will be open for pedestrian use Saturday and Sunday. All other areas around the 2nd Ave. Pier will also be open for public access on Saturday and Sunday.
To maximize public access and safety, no trucking or sand placement will occur Saturday, July 4, or Sunday, July 5, in the high-traffic area around 2nd Ave. Additionally, there is an approximately 500-feet wide active construction and demobilization zone near 3rd Ave. S that will remain completely fenced off and closed to all beachgoers throughout the holiday weekend.
In Surfside Beach, sand placement is expected near Calhoun Drive on both Saturday and Sunday. Calhoun Drive will have limited access Friday but will be open Saturday and Sunday for pedestrian access.
USACE recognizes the impact of this closure during a major holiday, particularly in a highly trafficked area popular for fireworks viewing and celebrations. However, active renourishment sites are hazardous industrial work zones.
Enhanced Holiday Safety Protocols and Law Enforcement
Given the expected high-density crowds, USACE and its contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, are implementing stringent safety measures. GLDD is coordinating closely with local law enforcement. There is a zero-tolerance policy for entering the construction zone, acting unruly, or interfering with crew members and equipment. Restricted area signs are posted, and unlawful acts will result in police intervention.
Safety is the number one priority. USACE urges all visitors to exercise caution and adhere to the following:
- Respect Boundaries: Do not cross temporary fencing, warning signs or barriers under any circumstances;
- Avoid Equipment: Never attempt to climb on, walk over, or swim near dredge pipes, bulldozers or heavy machinery. Use designated sand bridges to cross exposed pipelines; and
- Stay Clear: Remain entirely outside of designated construction zones at all times.
Once the Myrtle Beach phase is completed, the dredge activities will immediately transition south to begin work in Surfside Beach and Garden City. Initial operations in this phase will begin near 5th Ave. N in Surfside Beach and progress northward toward Myrtle Beach State Park.
For the most up-to-date project information, visit the Charleston District website at https://arcg.is/1bbrfr3.
The primary purpose of this renourishment is to build a wider, higher beach and dune system capable of absorbing storm wave energy, which protects oceanfront homes, businesses, roads and utilities from flooding and structural damage. While the wide, sandy beach also offers an inviting shoreline for tourists and the public, coastal protection remains the primary goal.
