At a Glance

A comprehensive erosion assessment guided a data-driven restoration for Southampton's Sagaponack-Bridgehampton shoreline. Extensive profiling, sediment studies, and USACE-approved modeling refined a nourishment plan addressing dune deficits and storm losses. Built in 2014, the project retained over 100% of placed sand for more than a decade and earned ASBPA's Best Restored Beach Award in 2018.

Year 2014
Location Southampton, NY
Client Town of Southampton, NY
Scope 5.6 miles

Securing Shoreline Stability After Major Storm Losses

The Bridgehampton-Sagaponack shoreline experienced long-term erosion compounded by intermittent inlets that disrupted natural littoral sand transport and left beaches increasingly narrow. Limited dune volume reduced storm protection for oceanfront properties, a vulnerability confirmed by Hurricane Sandy and severe winter storm losses. The Town required a durable restoration strategy capable of replacing chronic deficits while withstanding major storm-driven erosion over time.

Challenge

Science-Driven Nourishment Design for Lasting Protection

The restoration approach combined detailed erosion assessments, beach profile surveys, and extensive offshore borrow investigations to quantify sand deficits and nourishment needs. USACE-approved numerical models were applied to refine fill densities and evaluate storm response, ensuring the design addressed local dune weaknesses and transport disruptions. The final nourishment plan incorporated additional storm-loss replacement volume and long-term monitoring to track performance.

Approach

Award-Winning Restoration with Decade-Long Sand Retention

The Bridgehampton-Sagaponack project rebuilt critical beach width and strengthened dune defenses in a highly dynamic, storm-prone environment. Completed in 2014, the nourishment exceeded performance expectations, maintaining its full design footprint for over a decade. National recognition followed, highlighting the project as a benchmark for high-performing, science-based coastal restoration.

Impact
Challenge
Approach
Impact

"Winner of the 2018 ASBPA Best Restored Beach Award"

American Shore & Beach Preservation Association

American Shore & Beach Preservation Association

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