The Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $19.5 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company to rebuild Ocean City's north-end beaches with 1.6 million cubic yards of sand. The project area will extend from Seaspray Beach to 12th Street. This is the 11th renourishment project for the north end of Ocean City since our 50-year agreement with the Army Corps began in the early 1990s.
LATEST UPDATE
September 4, 2026: Sand-pumping operations continue at Surf Road Beach on Friday morning. Beach access is open at Seaspray Road. Beach access also is open at Waverly Beach (along E. Atlantic Blvd.) and beaches to the south. A guarded swimming beach in that area is at North Street. Beaches in the work area surrounding Surf Road Beach are closed on Friday morning, but this beach entrance is expected to reopen at some point on Friday. The contractor anticipates beginning demobilization of equipment on Sept. 9 with the dune crossover at Morningside Road and a section of Beach Road closed for safety.
In the first stage of the project, work progressed from First Street southward toward 12th Street. Work is now moving northward toward Great Egg Harbor Inlet. Approximately 1,000 feet of beach (two blocks) surrounding the immediate work area will be closed to public access at any time. Sand-pumping operations will continue 24 hours a day for the duration of the project. Sand ramps will be constructed over the pipeline at all beach entrances as work progresses down the beach.
All projected timelines are subject to weather delays, equipment and logistics issues, and multiple other factors. Please check back regularly for updates.
See aerial video from August 20, 2026 below or here.
PROJECT FACTS
When: Summer 2026
Where: Beaches between Ocean City's terminal groin near Seaview Road and the area around 12th Street
Who: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company is the contractor for the job.
What: Ocean City beaches will receive 1.6 million cubic yards of sand to rebuild eroded beaches.
Why: The projects are designed to protect coastal property.
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