The sand placement portion of the emergency repairs needed in parts of Fort Lauderdale beach began Monday as the trucks unloaded sand along State Road A1A.
“We're going to be seeing a lot of road trucks delivering sand from the mines over on the west side of Lake Okeechobee and bringing it to the beach,” said Eric Myers from the Broward County Natural Resources Planning.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Erosion Raises Tourism Concerns
The sand in Fort Lauderdale beach began eroding late last year, causing beach and road closures.
In approximately four weeks, workers will spread 2,000 tons of sand a day along the half-mile stretch of the beach from Northeast 14th Court to 18th Street. A new seawall will also be installed by the department of transportation.
A1A Beach Erosion Repairs Set For Mid-January in Fort Lauderdale
“As an owner, right in front of where the tide has taken out the sidewalks, I couldn't be happier to see the progress,” said Fort Lauderdale Beach resident Tom Zazarino.
The county says the beach will eventually be restored to what it was in 2011. This is the first time in 30 years it's had to make repairs of this nature.
Large Cavern Found Under A1A in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Construction is expected to finish before the start of sea turtle nesting season. Meanwhile, State
Road A1A will be reduced from four lanes to two.
The construction will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The county is advising drivers and pedestrians to avoid the area until the project is complete.
Photo Credit: Betty Yu/NBC 6