DNREC to Resume Sand Bypass Operations At Indian River Inlet After Signing Contract With First State Crane Service

Delaware beaches and dunes will be restored and maintained later this month as the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, resumes sand pumping with the new Indian River Inlet Sand Bypass System to protect shorelines and recreational areas. First State Crane Service moved equipment to the inlet work site on March 3rd, and fencing and “Do Not Enter” signage are in place to protect visitors. A new construction crane is being assembled onsite, and starting March 9th (weather permitting), DNREC crews will position piping, with intermittent closures of beach crossovers and restricted access to the Southside and Northside beaches for public safety. The fully operational bypass system, featuring electric engines that completed successful trial runs last summer, is tentatively scheduled to begin pumping the week of March 16th. First State Crane Service will operate the system through May 15th, then resume after Labor Day, continuing through May 15th, 2027. For more information about the sand bypass system, visit the de.gov/sandbypass webpage.