The dredge Liberty Island arrived in Buxton on the evening of Thursday, July 30, 2026 and began pumping sand onto the beach on Friday, July 31, 2026, marking the start of construction for the Buxton beach nourishment project.

The contractor, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, began pumping sand in the middle of the project area, near Ocean Drive, and is expected to progress north. Once pumping within the northern portion of the Buxton project area is complete, crews will begin working south from Ocean Drive until they finish with the southern taper. The fill direction is subject to change based on weather conditions and the borrow area being dredged. 

View the 2026 Buxton beach nourishment construction map.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company has also announced that a second dredge is expected to arrive in Dare County in mid-August to assist with the project. With the addition of the second dredge, the project is expected to remain on schedule for completion by September 30, 2026.* 

Approximately 2 million cubic yards of sand will be placed along Buxton’s oceanfront beaches from the Haulover Day Use Area to just south of the Buxton Beach Access over an estimated 95-day construction period, depending on weather and ocean conditions.*

For more information about beach nourishment projects in Dare County—including a list of frequently asked questions—visit MoreBeachToLove.com.

*NOTE: Please note that information regarding the timeline for this project is subject to change due to a variety of factors, including weather, equipment issues and other unforeseen circumstances. Additional updates will be provided as more detailed information becomes available.