DNREC monitoring and rebuilding
beach at north side of Indian River Inlet

DelDOT, DNREC determine Route 1, Indian River Bridge not threatened

DOVER (Oct. 19, 2011) – Equipment problems with the state’s sand by-pass system at the Indian River Inlet have put annual efforts to replenish the beach on the north side of Indian River Inlet several weeks behind schedule, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control officials said today. As a result, beach erosion from recent storms has narrowed the beach below its normal width for this time of year.  

The system was down from mid-September until last week due to mechanical issues with the crane and water intake that are key to operating the system. Repairs to equipment have been made and the sand by-pass system is now operating at full capacity and currently placing 5,400 tons (or 2,000 cubic yards) of sandy material per day on the eroded dune and beach.

After inspecting the area and the proximity of the ocean to Route 1, Delaware Department of Transportation and DNREC officials have determined neither the road nor the Indian River Inlet Bridge are threatened. Similarly, the issue has not affected the construction activity on the new Inlet bridge. Inspections of the beach and both inlet bridges will be made throughout the by-pass pumping cycle.

Construction on the new bridge continues and is nearing completion, and neither it nor Rt. 1 leading to the bridge, according to DelDOT officials, have been affected by the by-pass system’s having been down. DelDOT Chief Engineer Natalie Barnhart stated that “the Indian River Inlet Bridge and its approaches are the most highly monitored in Delaware. We have worked closely with DNREC officials regarding the recent erosion conditions of the north-side inlet dune line. DelDOT is confident no imminent threat exists to the roadbed or the bridge itself. We will continue to monitor conditions.”

The sand by-pass system helps facilitate movement of sand along the coast. Sand in that area of the Inlet naturally moves from south to north. The protective south jetty of the Indian River Inlet serves as a barrier against movement of sand. Because of the jetty, sand that would normally be deposited further north is stockpiled near the south Inlet, leaving beaches to the north of the Inlet starved for sand and thus more vulnerable to erosion.

Sand on the south beach is captured by the by-pass system and pumped along a pipeline beneath the Inlet Bridge to the beach on the north side of the Inlet – thus “by-passing” the Inlet. Typically the system operates in fall, winter and spring to avoid impacting the public during the summer months.

DNREC officials believe that with favorable weather conditions the dune system and beach profile will be rebuilt to near-normal levels within two weeks. They will continue to monitor any impacts from further erosion should it occur. 

Vol. 41, No. 401