Approximately 2.0 million cubic yards of beach-quality sand is restoring 2.9 miles of Buxton’s oceanfront through Dare County’s 2026 beach renourishment project. With construction now well underway and moving toward completion, the project is rebuilding beach and dune protection, reducing erosion and overwash risk, and strengthening the buffer protecting N.C. Highway 12.
Building a Stronger Beach and Dune System
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD) continues nourishment operations along nearly 15,500 feet of shoreline between the Haulover Day Use Area and the southern project limit at Old Lighthouse Road. Crews have completed construction of the protective dune along the vulnerable southern section and are advancing berm construction as sand placement continues through the remaining project area.
The restored beach and dune system is designed to provide a wider, stronger buffer between the Atlantic Ocean and vulnerable homes, infrastructure, and N.C. Highway 12. Strategic sand placement strengthens storm protection while restoring recreational beach width and supporting the shoreline’s ability to respond naturally to changing waves, tides, and storms.
Continuing a Long-Term Commitment to Buxton
The 2026 project marks Buxton’s third major nourishment and continues Dare County’s long-term investment in managing one of Hatteras Island’s most dynamic shorelines. Building on restoration efforts completed in 2017–2018 and 2022, this latest project replenishes sand lost to chronic erosion, hurricanes, nor’easters, and other coastal storms.
As construction moves toward completion, the project represents another important step in protecting Buxton’s oceanfront and maintaining the resilience of N.C. Highway 12—Hatteras Island’s critical transportation and emergency evacuation route. Continued monitoring and adaptive management will help guide future nourishment and keep the shoreline performing for years to come.