INDIAN RIVER INLET, Del. — After months of closure and reconstruction, the north side of the Indian River Inlet is once again open to the public.
The popular stretch of coastline had been closed after waves crashed through the sand and reached the highway last year, prompting an extensive reconstruction project aimed at strengthening the shoreline and improving public safety.
The popular stretch of coastline had been closed after waves crashed through the sand and reached the highway last year.
Beachgoers like Brian Whalen were excited to see the area reopened. “My wife and I walked down there yesterday, and we think it looked really beautiful,” Whalen said.
The newly reopened area now features a reinforced wall of sand designed to prevent future wave damage. Whalen spent the winter watching the repairs take shape and praised the results.
“I watched them build it over the winter time, and they did a really nice job. It’s perfect. The beach looks nice — really nice work,” he said.
One remaining hazard is the presence of “scarps,” or steep drop-offs in the sand caused by erosion.
However, be sure to be cautious when exploring the beach. One remaining hazard is the presence of “scarps,” or steep drop-offs in the sand caused by erosion. These can create unexpected drop-offs when approaching the water.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to begin the second phase of the project in the coming months. Dredging is scheduled for the fall, and a separate contract for work on the north jetty is expected to begin in December.