The multi‑segment shoreline‑stabilization effort will run October through March along Bay Street.
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
City of Southport, NC — Southport has started construction on a major coastal‑resiliency project aimed at protecting the city’s historic waterfront from erosion, storm surge, and long‑term shoreline loss.
Work has begun along West Bay Street and will continue through March 2027, progressing eastward in three overlapping segments.
The Southport Shorefront Improvements Project – covers the shoreline between South Caswell Avenue and South Atlantic Avenue.
Crews are installing revetment, offshore breakwaters, sand placement, dune reinforcement, and living‑shoreline features.
City officials say the work is intended to strengthen the waterfront against future storms while maintaining public access and the character of the shoreline.
Construction is scheduled in three phases.
The western segment runs October 1, 2026 through February 8, 2027. The central segment is planned from December 16, 2026 through March 1, 2027. The eastern segment begins February 12, 2027 and continues through March 23, 2027. Timelines may shift with weather and field conditions, and portions of the waterfront will be temporarily closed for safety.
The project is funded through the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund and aligns with Southport’s participation in the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program. The city has identified vulnerable shoreline areas and prioritized nature‑based solutions, including living shorelines at Marsh Walk, Cottage Creek, and Dutchman Creek, along with drainage improvements at Lowe‑White Park and Taylor Field.
City leaders describe the Bay Street shoreline‑stabilization effort as one of Southport’s highest‑priority projects. Heavy equipment, construction vehicles, and intermittent noise are expected through the fall and winter, with periodic traffic and parking restrictions along the waterfront.
Residents and visitors are asked to follow posted signs and respect temporary closures as crews work to complete the project ahead of the 2027 spring season.
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