Myrtle Beach Renourishment — Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: June 12, 2026
What is the Myrtle Beach Construction Tracker?
The Myrtle Beach Construction Tracker is a free, public, real-time map published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the ArcGIS platform. It shows exactly where beach renourishment crews are working along the Grand Strand each day, which sections of beach are temporarily closed, and which areas are already finished.
Where can I find the official tracker?
The official tracker is hosted on ArcGIS at arcg.is/1bbrfr3. It is updated daily and shows the entire project from North Myrtle Beach to Pawleys Island. We link to it from every page of this site.
Is the beach open during renourishment?
Yes. The beach remains open throughout the project. Only about 1,000 feet of shoreline is closed at any one time — typically for two to three days per section — while crews pump sand. Each section reopens immediately when work there is done, and temporary access routes are maintained.
Will the beach be closed during my summer 2026 vacation?
Almost certainly not where you are staying — at most, a short 1,000-foot stretch near the active work zone is closed for two to three days. As of June 2026, crews are working inside Myrtle Beach city limits (finishing in July), then move to Garden City and Surfside Beach in July–August. North Myrtle Beach is already complete. Check the live tracker the morning you head out.
When will the beach renourishment be finished?
Under the revised schedule announced May 5, 2026, the Myrtle Beach segment finishes in July 2026, and the final segment (Garden City and Surfside Beach) runs July through August 2026. The full Grand Strand project is expected to wind down in August 2026.
Why was the project delayed?
Mechanical failures on dredging equipment and scheduling conflicts halted progress after work moved from North Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach in early 2026, pushing the timeline back roughly two months from the original Memorial Day target.
Why is construction happening during peak tourist season?
USACE project manager Sonja Carter explained that while summer renourishment can be disruptive, it is imperative to complete the project before peak hurricane season. The wider beach is itself a storm-protection measure.
What is beach renourishment?
Beach renourishment (or nourishment) is the process of pumping sand from offshore onto an eroded beach to rebuild its width and elevation. A wider beach protects oceanfront property from storm surge and restores recreational space. This project places about two million cubic yards of sand — roughly 200,000 dump-truck loads — along 26 miles of coastline.
Who is paying for the project?
The $72 million Grand Strand project is fully funded by the federal government, with one exception: the Arcadian Shores segment was funded locally by the City of Myrtle Beach in partnership with Horry County.
Who is doing the work?
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ contractor for the project. Crews operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Which beach accesses are closed?
In Myrtle Beach, the 67th Avenue North access is closed until the Myrtle Beach segment is complete. Beyond that, closures are rolling: roughly 1,000 feet of shoreline around the active work zone closes for two to three days, then reopens. The live tracker shows today’s closed section.
Is it safe to swim near the dredging equipment?
Swim only at open sections of beach. The active work zone is fenced or flagged and closed to the public — pipes, heavy equipment, and dredge slurry make it unsafe. Outside the marked zone, the ocean is open as normal.
What about sea turtles and shorebirds?
The project includes daily monitoring for migratory shorebirds and sea turtles. Nests are relocated when necessary, and construction pauses if sea turtles are present in the work area.
Still planning your trip? See the full 2026 schedule or check current beach closures.