Hilton Head beach renourishment to reach Coligny Beach soon. Here’s what to expect
While the weather may be a bit chilly for a swim, folks who enjoy taking a morning walk along Coligny Beach should expect a new view in the coming weeks: construction crews and piles of sand.
Hilton Head Island’s ongoing beach renourishment project is continuing in the island’s central areas, including popular stretches like Palmetto Dunes and Coligny Beach.
Here’s what residents and visitors should know as work moves into some of the island’s busiest beach areas.
What’s happening now?
Between Jan. 24 and Jan. 30, crews will continue pumping sand onto the beachfront along North Forest Beach, gradually moving south toward Coligny Beach.
The work is part of “Phase 2” of the renourishment project, which includes the central and southern portions of the island.
Central island areas — including beaches along Palmetto Dunes and Coligny Beach — are scheduled to see work through March 28, 2026.
South island areas, including South Beach and portions of Sea Pines, are scheduled for construction through May 31, 2026. Timelines for both phases are subject to change, depending on weather and other factors.
What does it mean for beachgoers?
Beach renourishment work occurs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with crews moving along the shoreline at an average rate of 200-300 feet per day.
At any given time, about 1,000 feet of shoreline — about 2% of Hilton Head’s beaches — will be affected.
Active construction sites are restricted, but the beaches are not closed. Temporary access ramps and signage will direct beachgoers to surrounding open areas. As soon as work is completed in one section, equipment will move down the beach, and the newly renourished area will reopen.
All work is set to be complete by summer 2026.
What’s already completed?
Phase 1 of the project – which included Port Royal (the Heel), Fish Haul and Pine Island – is complete.
While sand placement has finished in those areas, construction of breakwater structures at Pine Island Beach is expected to continue through April. These structures assist in slowing coastline erosion and change.
In addition, beginning Jan. 27, beach tilling will take place along completed sections of shoreline. The process loosens sand compacted by heavy equipment and improves habitat conditions for sea turtles and shorebirds. The Town of Hilton Head Island says that this work is expected to take two to three days to complete.
Construction has also moved from the portion of Islander’s Beach Park that was used for equipment staging, and it is now fully open to the public.
What to know about the project
The $47.5 million project marks the fifth time the town has renourished its beaches since the program began in 1990.
This year’s effort includes placing approximately 2.2 million cubic yards of sand — the equivalent of about 340 football fields — along sections of the island’s shoreline using a dredge, miles of pipeline and other heavy construction equipment.
The project began in September 2025 and is funded primarily through a 2% accommodation tax on hotels and short-term rentals.
Folks can continue to monitor the project through the town’s website, which provides an interactive map to see where construction is currently taking place.
