The new beach will be wider and higher – providing better storm protection and a more attractive and enjoyable beach for Virginia Beach residents.

After working with property owners to document public interests, the city recently received the go-ahead to place sand along Cape Henry from the inlet to First Landing State Park.

The Army Corps of Engineers has issued a contract to dredge the channel and place the sand on Cape Henry Beach. Work is expected to begin by Sept. 30 and should be completed by Nov. 15. As the contractor dredges the channel, sand will be placed first on the west end of the beach, closest to Lynnhaven Inlet, then move east.

Since 1965, the Corps of Engineers has dredged the channel every three or four years. As part of that project, the city has used all the dredged sand to replenish public beaches. Until 2000, most of that sand was hauled by trucks to the Oceanfront.

Since 2000, sand from the inlet has been used to replenish Ocean Park Beach.

Temporary work zones will be established and closed to the public, but the beaches on either side will be open to beachgoers.

As each section is replenished, it will be reopened. A pipeline will be placed on the beach throughout the replenishment.

Sand ramps will used to allow pedestrian access to the shoreline during the process.

Work will be performed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This may not be convenient for everyone, but it is essential for a navigation dredging project and it is standard for all beach replenishment projects involving hydraulic dredging.

While there may be temporary inconveniences during the project, the city is pleased to be able to provide beach replenishment to Cape Henry Beach. It’s part of the process that allows us to have some of the greatest beaches in the country.