The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has applied to begin Phase 2 of the Indian River Inlet beach restoration project, aiming to place another 500,000 cubic yards of sand along the beach north of the inlet.
Phase 1: Completed
Launched in late November 2024, the whole project aimed to address severe erosion that had compromised the dune system and threatened critical infrastructure, including the major roadway known in Sussex County as Route 1.
By March 2025, DNREC had completed the placement of approximately 480,000 cubic yards of sand, 100,000 more than initially planned, along 5,000 linear feet of shoreline.
This effort restored the beach to a width of over 150 feet and rebuilt dunes to a height of 6 to 8 feet, with a crest width of 25 feet.
The sand was sourced from the Indian River Inlet Flood Shoal and transported via pipeline.
The North Indian River Inlet Beach has reopened to the public as of April 2025.
What the New Phase Involves
According to the environmental assessment released on April 6th, the new phase would:
- Extend 5,000 feet north from the inlet’s north jetty
- Use sand sourced from a previously untouched shoal in the Atlantic Ocean
- Include dune fencing, crossover paths, and dune grass plantings
The purpose is to restore the berm and dune system to its 2013 post-Hurricane Sandy dimensions, enhancing resilience against coastal erosion and protecting infrastructure and recreation areas.
Surfrider Foundation Pushes Back
Despite the plan’s goals, the Surfrider Foundation‘s Delaware chapter is calling for a delay.
In an April 11th letter, the group requested a public hearing and urged officials to:
- Allow time for the beach to stabilize post-Phase 1
- Resume the sand-bypassing system
- Repair the north jetty to improve sand retention
They argue that Indian River Inlet is already a strained recreational area, and more closures in fall 2025 could hurt both the community and local economy.
Past and Present Efforts
This isn’t the Army Corps’ first recent project at the inlet. In 2024, they also worked to repair a failed bulkhead area, which had forced the closure of a 120-foot walkway since 2018.
Public comments on the beach fill application are open until Saturday, April 26th, and you can send your input. Click here for more information.
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Source: Cape Gazette