Beach Nourishment on the Outer Banks
Beach nourishment on the Outer Banks involves pumping sand from the ocean floor onto the beach to rebuild areas that have eroded. This process creates a wider beach and helps form a buffer against strong waves that can damage the shoreline, dunes, and nearby homes and businesses.
As many of you have seen the news of homes falling into the ocean in recent storms, the ocean can be a powerful force when winds and waves reach record strength. By reinforcing our shoreline through ongoing beach nourishment projects, community leaders aim to reduce erosion and protect coastal properties. The first beach nourishment project on the OBX, besides what locals called a beach push was in 2011.
The beaches remain open during nourishment activities, though access to certain areas may be temporarily restricted during the construction phase. Submerged pipelines will transport sand from offshore borrow sites to beach placement areas. Temporary equipment staging and pipe storage may affect public beach access points and parking availability during active construction.
Protecting our Community
Outer Banks Shoreline Management
2026 Current project in Nags Head and South Nags Head. Currently, beach nourishment activities are occurring in Nags Head and South Nags Head. Follow along with the progress by visiting the Town of Nags Head website and view the progress map. Some areas are already completed and project completion is expected in July or early August.
Future Projects Planned for 2027. Future projects are planned for Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills in 2027. This will be a planned re-nourishment schedule that is coordinated within each town. There is no information on the official town websites as this time. Depending on the timing and location of your stay, beach conditions, access, project activities may vary and are subject to change without notice.
Current Project Future Projects
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Beach renourishment projects are crucial for preserving our community. The intended purpose is to create a protective buffer to keep the brute force of powerful waves and storm surge more offshore. Ideally the projects are revisited every 5 years.
Why in the Summer?
Favorable Weather Conditions for dredges and equipment.
Beach Access
Temporary closures can limit access to areas of about 1000 Feet.
Construction Zones
Lights, bulldozers and trucks typically quickly work zones 24/7.
Pubic Safety
Work zones are clearly marked and secured and monitored.
towns Checklist
History of OBX beach rEnourishment projects
Town of Duck
- 1.6 miles of shoreline
- Last project completed May 14, 2023
- Previous was June 28, 2017
southern Shores
- 3.8 miles of shoreline
- Last project completed November 22. 2022
- No previous project
Kitty Hawk
- Milepost 1 to 5.5
- 3.97 miles of shoreline renourished in 2022
- Completed October 18, 2022
- No previous project
Kill Devil HIlls
- Milepost 5.5 to Milepost 10
- 2.58 miles of shoreline renourished in 2022
- Last project completed July 22, 2022
- No previous project
Nags Head
- Milepost 10 to 16.5
- 4.45 miles of shoreline renourished
- Active Project began May 19, 2026
- Last Project completed August 27, 2022
- CURRENT PROJECT ACTIVE
South Nags Head
- Milepost 16.5 to 22
- 5.5 miles of shoreline re-nourished
- Active Project began May 19, 2026\
- Last Project completed August 27, 2022
- CURRENT PROJECT ACTIVE
Beach nourishment involves heavy equipment, lighting, and restricted access to the beach as sand is being pumped and pushed along the beach to build it back up.
Drege offshore and pipes showing walkover in a close to completed area.
This information page in has existed on our website since January 22, 2021, as a means to alert visitors to beach nourishment. It is updated to provide you the best information and sources. 62526-revised
