Sanibel beach recovery project to begin
The city reported this week that contractors are mobilizing equipment and preparing for the first truckloads of sand to begin arriving on Dec. 19 for the Sanibel Island Post Hurricane Ian Emergency Berm/Beach Recovery Project.
Starting Dec. 19, crews will place sand from the Donax Road Beach Access west to the Gulfside City Park (Reach 4) and from the Tradewinds Drive Access west to Bowman’s Beach (Reach 1). The Gulfside City Park beach parking lot will be closed temporarily for about one week effective Dec. 18. The Donax Road Beach Access will also be closed until further notice.
The city reported that the hurricane’s landfall flattened Sanibel’s beach and dune areas. As the storm surge receded, significant erosion occurred resulting in the creation of channeled gullies along the island’s coastline. The project will place about 400,000 tons of sand to restore the beach berm (dune) and fill gullies created by the receding storm surge.
– What is the timeline for the project to be completed?
The project is anticipated to be completed in early April.
– How much sand will be brought to the beaches of Sanibel?
Approximately 400,000 tons of sand will be brought in to renourish the beaches.
– How many trucks each day will haul sand and how many loads a day will be brought to the island?
Between 120 and 160 trucks will haul two to three loads of sand to the island each day.
– What times/days of the week will the work be carried out?
Work will be carried out Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with some work being completed on Saturdays as needed.
– Will there be any impact on traffic?
Motorists may notice a larger concentration of trucks early in the day as they arrive on the island with the first loads of the sand, but the trucks will be spread out along the routes as the day progresses.
– How many sections of the beach are being worked on, and is the project being completed in phases?
There are five stretches of beach where sand will be hauled in. One to two stretches may be worked on simultaneously throughout the duration of the project. Once the section(s) are complete, crews will move on to the next.
– Will any beaches be open for the duration of the project, and how will beach-goers be affected?
The sections of beaches being worked on will be temporarily closed, while the other areas of the beach will remain open. There will be plenty of places for residents and visitors to enjoy Sanibel’s beaches during the project.
– Where is the sand coming from?
The sand will be hauled from Vulcan Materials Company in Moore Haven.
– Can Gulf-front property owners still submit a Temporary Beach Management & Access Easement?
Yes. Scan and email your completed form to sandnr@mysanibel.com or deliver to the Sanibel City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
For project updates, visit www.mysanibel.com.