Oceanfront construction happening in Myrtle Beach. Will it affect your vacation?

Millions of tourists flock to Myrtle Beach each year for its vast stretch of coastline, but this summer, visitors might encounter unexpected, yet temporary, beach construction.

Myrtle Beach’s coastline is currently undergoing a federal beach renourishment project managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where sand that had been washed away in previous storms is taken from designated offshore areas and pumped to the shore to rebuild wide beaches.

Recent stir online has created worry from some upcoming visitors that their beach vacation will be impacted. However, the majority of public beaches are still open.

The project was delayed from its original schedule by several weeks due to equipment issues.

“We recognize renourishment during the summer months can be disruptive,” USACE Project Manager Sonja Carter said in a May press release. “However, it’s imperative we complete the project before peak hurricane season as these projects are designed to protect the community from storm surge.”

Beach renourishment takes place in 1,000-foot sections (less than a quarter-mile) and typically moves on from that area within 24 to 48 hours under perfect conditions, USACE spokesperson Dylan Burnell said. A second, smaller dredge has joined the project to tackle smaller sections to help move the project in Myrtle Beach city limits along, he said, but he’s unsure if the second dredge will be available for sections of Surfside Beach and Garden City.

The $72 million federal project began in North Myrtle Beach in late December and is expected to reach completion at the south end of Garden City Beach by August, according to the May press release.

City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County’s separately funded $10 million project for a section of coastline near Arcadian Shores began early May that was not originally included in the federal timeline. Construction has since restarted for the federal project in Myrtle Beach. The rest of Myrtle Beach city limits is expected to be completed by early July, according to a Facebook post.

A live construction tracker illustrates where construction has been completed, where current construction has closed the beach and which areas have yet to be completed. Construction takes place at all hours except during approved holidays and inclement weather.

Construction began when it did due to funding availability, and now was the best time to do it, Burnell said.

How have renourishment delays impacted oceanfront businesses?

City of Myrtle Beach spokesperson Meredith Denari said when the City and the Chamber were first alerted of the delays, oceanfront hotels were given information to present to their guests on what to expect.

Some of the recreational and entertainment businesses, like beach chair rentals and water sports, have been the most impacted, Denari said, but communication between the contractors and the businesses has helped them prepare.

“All of our hotels and all of our beachfront businesses in the city in general runs on our beach,“ Denari said. “It’s an inconvenience, but in the long run...it’s our bread and butter, and we need a healthier, long-lasting beach for the good of everybody.”

Will beach renourishment impact sea turtle nesting season?

Sea turtle nesting season began May 1, and Grand Strand beaches have already seen over 100 nests.

Carter previously told The Sun News that Fish and Wildlife standards require an environmental plan that needs to be approved and followed by both the Corps and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in regard to sea turtles.

A third party was hired specifically to monitor beaches from dusk to dawn surrounding the 1,000-foot sections in progress to watch for sea turtles coming ashore. If a sea turtle is spotted within 500 feet of the work zone, work stops until the turtle is relocated or finished nesting.

Construction equipment lighting is limited to the active work area and will not span the entire 1,000-foot zone. Carter said they do not expect significant pauses due to nesting season.