The dredge Ellis Island arrived off Avon and begin pumping sand Sunday afternon, after being released from another project earlier than anticipated.
According to an update from MoreBeachToLove.com, the schedule change will enable Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. to temporarily assign the Avon beach nourishment project to the Ellis Island earlier than planned while awaiting the arrival of the dredge Liberty Island.
The Ellis Island will started pumping from the discharge point between Ocean View Drive and Greenwood Place. Sand placement will continue moving south to the end of the project area across from Park Drive, just north of ORV Ramp 38.
Video courtesy Dare County Commissioner Danny Couch:
Interactive map courtesy MoreBeachToLove.com:
After the southernmost section of the project has been completed, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. will return to the discharge point between Ocean View Drive and Greenwood Place and start moving north toward the Avon Fishing Pier.
Once the dredging is underway, construction will occur 24/7 (including holidays) unless mechanical issues or rough sea conditions require a shutdown. Weather permitting, project completion is anticipated in August 2022.
The dredge Liberty Island is currently expected to arrive off Hatteras Island in early July in order to complete navigation system upgrades.
Once the Liberty Island arrives, it will take over the Avon beach nourishment while the Ellis Island moves downshore to begin beach nourishment in Buxton.