Protecting Our Coastline: Beach Replenishment Begins at the Oceanfront

The Virginia Beach coastline attracts both residents and visitors year-round for swimming, surfing, sunrises, strolling and many other pastimes. However, it constantly faces the threat of natural forces. Powerful storms, winds and waves can cause erosion, jeopardizing the beach and the City's infrastructure. To protect our beaches for future generations, beach replenishment projects in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are a crucial part of maintaining our coastal environment.  

2025 Project Timeline

Starting in late December 2024, crews began moving heavy equipment onto the beach at the 37th Street access. Later in January, the sand placement phase begins in the project area between 15th and 45th streets. Once complete, the project will move to Croatan Beach.  
 
The beach will remain open as work progresses in 1,500-foot sections, with 300-500 feet completed each day or two, depending on weather and equipment. Crews will work around the clock to finish the project as soon as possible.   
 
The last replenishment project was completed in December 2019, widening the shoreline to 300 feet and increasing it to 9 feet above sea level. 

The Value and Cost of Beach Replenishment

Adding nearly 1 million cubic yards of sand to our beaches provides storm damage protection for the City’s pump stations, seawall and property that would be subject to flooding without the environmental benefits that replenishment provides. Additionally, these projects: 

• Create better conditions for recreation, attracting vacationers and economic development 
• Increase land value of adjacent properties
• Saved an estimated $1 billion in storm-related damage since 2002

The USACE leads the partnership and has contributed $13.3 million (65% of the total cost of $20.2 million) along with the City’s investment of $7.07 million. Taxpayer dollars are being saved since the sand used is from the nearby Atlantic Ocean Channel in Norfolk. The channel is being dredged as part of the Norfolk Harbor Deepening Project that USACE is completing in partnership with the Virginia Port Authority.

What You Can Expect at the Beach  

The contractor, Manson Construction Co., is establishing a work center for its construction crew, heavy machinery, support equipment and work trailer on the beach at the 37th Street access. Visitors are asked to stay on the Boardwalk at the access area or outside the safety fencing, while the contractor mobilizes equipment, places orange safety fencing and installs signage. The beach will remain open throughout the beach replenishment outside of orange safety fencing areas. 

For more information on the project and to sign up for email updates, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/BeachReplenishment.