Avalon’s Backpassing Project Proceeding

Posted May 19th 2026

Avalon’s sand backpassing project to shore up beaches that were severely eroded by coastal storms and blizzards since last fall began April 13 and will continue until completion, with no end date yet announced.

This project includes moving 63,000 cubic yards of sand to the beaches between 9th and 15th street in Avalon to build up the beach paths, protective dunes, and the beach. The sand is being taken from a borrow area between the Avalon Fishing Pier and 40th Street. The project is being handled by Fred M. Schiavone Construction Inc., which was awarded the contract by the Avalon Borough Council on March 25.

Work hours are overnight from 10pm-8am on weekdays. During this time, the beach paths from 9th Street to 40th Street are closed overnight. Beaches from 23rd Street to 40th Street should be open each morning if it is safe to do so. Beaches from 9th Street to 22nd Street are currently closed to the public as erosion has made them unsafe.

On April 6, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew announced $99 million of federal funding will go to South Jersey beaches from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This includes $46 million for Avalon and Stone Harbor for beach-fill projects. This would be a hydraulic beach fill; however, Avalon’s backpassing is a separate project, 100% covered by the government’s emergency fund.

Go to avalonboro.net for continual updates.

Photo caption: A look at the dune erosion on 20th Street, where back passing will take place.