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aerial shot of Southport Waterfront

Southport Shorefront Improvements Project

The City of Southport is pleased to announce the upcoming construction of the Southport Shorefront Improvements Project, a shoreline stabilization and coastal resiliency project located along the waterfront of West and East Bay Streets, between South Caswell Avenue and South Atlantic Avenue. Funding for the project was provided through a grant from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund.

The City of Southport is pleased to announce the upcoming construction of the Southport Shorefront Improvements Project, a shoreline stabilization and coastal resiliency project located along the waterfront of West and East Bay Streets, between South Caswell Avenue and South Atlantic Avenue. Funding for the project was provided through a grant from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund.

The project includes shoreline protection, beach restoration, and dune enhancement designed to increase the resiliency of the waterfront and reduce the effects of shoreline erosion and storm damage.

Construction is anticipated to proceed from west to east, beginning October 1, 2026, with completion expected by March 31, 2027. The anticipated construction schedule is as follows: Project area Anticipated construction dates

  • Segment 1 (Western area) - October 1, 2026 – February 8, 2027
  • Segment 2 (Central area) - December 16, 2026 – March 1, 2027
  • Segment 3 (Eastern area) - February 12, 2027 – March 23, 2027

Construction activities may overlap between segments, and the schedule is subject to change based on weather, field conditions, and other factors.

During construction, residents and visitors may experience increased construction vehicle traffic, heavy equipment operations, temporary work zones, and occasional construction-related noise.

Temporary parking or traffic restrictions may also be necessary. Public access to portions of the project area may be temporarily restricted to maintain public safety.

The City of Southport appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as these important waterfront improvements are completed.

Timeline

Segment 1 (Western area)

October 1, 2026 - February 8, 2027

Segment 2 (Central area)

December 16, 2026 - March 1, 2027

Segment 3 (Eastern area)

February 12, 2027 - March 23, 2027
map of project areas

Updates

October 26, 2026 Update

The following is a project update, and 3-week lookahead, for the shoreline protection project:

  1. E. Bay Street remains closed within the Segment 3 work area between S Davis St and S Atlantic Ave.
  • The closure is anticipated to remain in place through mid-November, with a break for Halloween weekend
  • The contractor will consolidate equipment towards the eastern end of the project area, and re-open E. Bay Street temporarily for Halloween festivities and the car show
  1. Revetment construction within Segment 3 is ongoing, including stone deliveries and placement
  2. The following 3-week lookahead provides a forecast on anticipated work activities through early November
  3. A supplier-led training day, for contractor and consultant staff, will be held for filling of the marine mattresses on Thursday 10/29, for use on Segment 1.
  4. Following completion of Segment 3, the contractor is planning to move west to Segment 1 to start work on the breakwaters and beach/dune construction.
Three Week look ahead graph of Shoreline Project progress
Shoreline Project segment breakdown graphic