St. Joseph Peninsula will undergo a scheduled beach restoration and coastal protection project beginning as early as March 2026. This project is managed at the County level and is designed to protect the shoreline and improve long-term beach stability.
St. Joseph Peninsula Beach Restoration Project
What Is Happening?
The project includes:
Beach nourishment (adding sand to restore shoreline width)
Installation of submerged breakwaters offshore to help retain sand
The work area spans approximately 1.1 miles, from the Stump Hole area north toward the Scallop Cove region.
When Will Construction Begin?
Construction is currently anticipated to begin in early March 2026, with completion expected by May 2026. Please note that the start date has shifted previously and remains weather-dependent.
What Should Guests Expect?
During active construction:
- Sand pumping may occur 24 hours a day
- Construction equipment will be visible and audible in work zones
- Temporary sections of beach (approximately 300–500 feet at a time) may be closed while work progresses
- Equipment will move gradually along the shoreline
- Construction advances an estimated 100–200 feet per day, though weather and environmental conditions may affect this timeline.
Will Beach Access Remain Open?
Yes, the beach will remain open overall.
Temporary access ramps will be installed approximately every 500 feet to allow pedestrian access during the nourishment phase. Guests may need to walk north or south to access areas outside the active construction zone.
Please note that the beach will function as an active construction site between March and May 2026.
Will Rentals Be Impacted?
Vacation rentals throughout the area will remain open.
Because construction advances gradually along the shoreline, it is not possible to predict exactly when work may occur near a specific home. If construction is present near your property during your stay, nearby beach areas outside the active work zone will remain accessible.
Only a limited stretch of shoreline is included in the project.
Why Is This Project Important?
Beach nourishment and submerged breakwaters help:
- Restore beach width lost during storms
- Protect dunes and infrastructure
- Improve long-term shoreline stability
The sand used has been tested and approved to meet environmental and aesthetic standards.
After placement, the beach will naturally adjust over time in a process called “profile equilibration,” which allows sand to settle into a stable configuration.
Where Can I Find Official Updates?
The County and project engineers provide updates through official channels and social media.
For more information, contact:
MRD Associates, Inc.
jmorrow@coastalprotectioneng.com
What is the expected start date for beach nourishment construction?
Work is currently anticipated to begin around March 2026. The exact start date may shift depending on weather and other external factors.
Can homes and condos still be rented during construction?
Yes. Rentals will remain available throughout the project period. While certain sections of beach may be temporarily closed during active work, other areas will remain accessible. Because the work zone advances gradually, it is not possible to predict exactly when activity may occur near a specific property. Updates will be shared as information becomes available.
How long is the beach restoration project expected to last?
The 1.1-mile nourishment project — extending from the Stump Hole rock revetment to just south of Scallop Cove — is expected to take approximately 60 to 80 days. Construction of the submerged breakwaters will begin during the nourishment phase. Overall completion is anticipated by May 2026, though timing may vary due to weather, equipment, or other conditions.
Where will construction activity begin, and how will it progress along the beach?
The project is generally expected to begin near the center of the nourishment area (around R-103) and move south toward the rock revetment before progressing north to complete the remaining shoreline. A submerged pipeline will connect the offshore dredge to the beach, allowing sand to be pumped directly onto shore. Please note that sequencing may change based on field conditions.
Will sand placement occur in multiple areas at the same time?
It is unlikely that sand will be pumped onto multiple sections of beach simultaneously. While more than one dredge vessel may be used, the contractor will determine the most efficient construction approach.
Should guests expect construction noise?
Yes. Heavy equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, cranes, and trucks will be used throughout the project. Noise levels will be most noticeable when work is taking place in proximity to a specific property.
How long will construction activity be near my property?
The duration of work in front of any specific home will vary and cannot be precisely scheduled. Construction typically progresses along the shoreline at an estimated rate of 100–200 feet per day. This includes sand placement followed by grading and shaping of the beach. Weather delays, equipment needs, or environmental protections (such as sea turtles or shorebirds) may affect timing.
After sand placement is complete, work will continue with installation of the submerged breakwaters. During this phase, construction crews and equipment — including trucks and cranes — will travel along the beach regularly. From March through May 2026, portions of the beach will function as an active work zone, and temporary closures may occur as crews move along the shoreline.
Will beach access remain available during construction?
Yes. The beach will remain open overall, although certain sections may be temporarily restricted while work is actively underway. Temporary access ramps will be installed approximately every 500 feet to allow pedestrian access to areas outside of the active construction zone. Guests may need to walk north or south to reach open sections of beach.
During breakwater construction, vehicles and crews will travel along the shoreline to transport materials, which means there may be additional equipment movement during this phase. Temporary closures and active work zones should be expected between March and May 2026.
What are the anticipated construction hours?
Beach nourishment activities are expected to operate continuously — potentially 24 hours per day, seven days a week — until that phase is complete. Work schedules may be adjusted due to weather, equipment needs, or environmental considerations.
Submerged breakwater installation is currently anticipated to occur primarily during daytime hours on weekdays, though the contractor may expand workdays if necessary to maintain the project schedule.