News Release

Town Beach Renourishment Project set to begin Aug. 6, at Fish Haul Beach

Overall schedule updates, temporary closure of Fish Haul Beach Park announced

July 11, 2025

The Town of Hilton Head Island’s beach renourishment project is scheduled to start on Aug. 6, at Fish Haul Beach, off Mitchelville Road on the Island’s north end.

This vital project, which happens every eight to 10 years, involves replacing sand along sections of the shoreline that have been lost over time to natural erosion and storm activity. As part of the construction activities and to ensure the public’s safety, Fish Haul Beach Park (120 Mitchelville Road) will be closed for approximately five days starting Aug. 6, weather permitting. Overall, the $47.5 million project will occur in three phases, with an anticipated completion date of May 2026. The schedule is as follows:

Phase I

• Aug. 6 to Aug. 15 - Fish Haul area
• Aug. 15 to Sept. 11 - Pine Island
• Sept. 15 to Nov. 13 - Port Royal (The Heel)

Phase II

• Nov. 13 to Feb. 14 - Central Island including beach areas along Palmetto Dunes
• Feb. 14 to May 8 - South Island and South Beach areas

Phase III

• Pine Island Breakwater Structures (Schedule to be determined)

“It’s a priority to preserve, protect and cherish our beaches – one of our greatest assets. Our Island depends on their ongoing vitality. The Town’s role is to carry out the community’s collective dedication to this environmental core value through our investment in restoration and maintenance,” said Mayor Alan Perry. “And fortunately, due to the foresight of Town leaders before us and thanks to our millions of visitors, this project is funded through our beach preservation fund and capital improvement program.”

Beach renourishment is a moving work zone that typically progresses at about 1,000 feet per section-just 2% of the Island’s total beach area. On average, only 300 feet of beach will be impacted per day. Temporary beach access ramps and clear signage will help direct beachgoers safely around active work areas to open areas of the beach. As soon as an active site is completed, the equipment will move down the beach and the newly renourished section will open.

Special protection has been made for wildlife that may be impacted because of the project. All work will be supervised by consultant teams under contract to monitor sea turtles and migratory shorebirds. Additionally, per a requirement of the beach renourishment permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Town amended its municipal code to restrict animal/dog activity in an area adjacent to Fish Haul Creek beach park. This requirement protects endangered shorebird species that migrate and nest there. Signage is posted and no other beach areas will be affected. Dogs are still allowed per the Town’s seasonal rules – only a small section of the creek area adjacent to the beach park is restricted.

Marinex Construction, Inc., the contractor for the project, began mobilizing equipment this month in preparation for the work. This includes positioning their offshore barges and staging miles of steel pipes to pump sand from ocean shoals back to beaches. Crews will be working around the clock daily.  

The beach renourishment process helps to:

• Preserve a healthy shoreline ecosystem for wildlife such as sea turtles and shorebirds.
• Protect beachfront properties and infrastructure from storms.
• Provide wider, more enjoyable beaches for residents and visitors alike.

The public is encouraged to stay updated on the project’s progress—including location schedules, an interactive map, photos, FAQs, and more. Please:

• Visit the website at https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/beachrenourish2025/
• Sign Up: Get email and text notifications through the Town’s free e-subscription service at https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov. Click subscribe & select “Beach Renourishment Project Updates” under topic categories.
• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/townofhhi

For more information or answers to questions regarding beach renourishment, please reach out to communications@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.