Hershey Beach on Galveston’s West End will remain closed through 2025 as crews begin a large-scale restoration project to rebuild nearly two miles of eroded shoreline.
Hershey Beach, a favorite spot on Galveston’s West End, will remain closed for the rest of 2025 as a significant coastal restoration project kicks off, aimed at rebuilding almost two miles of the island’s eroded shoreline.
This week marked the official launch of a collaborative initiative involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Texas General Land Office, the City of Galveston, and the Galveston Park Board of Trustees. The Galveston District of the Corps will manage the construction, while the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company will execute the project.
The Corps reports that Galveston’s coastline is experiencing erosion at a rate of approximately 6.86 feet annually, posing risks to homes, infrastructure, and tourism on the barrier island. As the restoration efforts get underway, teams have set up fencing, barricades, and signage to secure Hershey Beach, with heavy machinery and pipelines now being brought in.
The project, known as the CAP 204 West Galveston Beach Nourishment Project, aims to revitalize around 1.8 miles of shoreline from Sunbather Lane to 11 Mile Road. The project will require the placement of approximately 717,000 cubic yards of sand taken from the Galveston Ship Channel. This volume is equivalent to filling half of the Empire State Building or one-eighth of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
City officials announced that sand placement is set to start in late October, with an anticipated completion date before the end of 2025.
The initiative was initially revealed in July. At that moment, Galveston City Manager Brian Maxwell emphasized its importance for the island's enduring strength. “This initiative is crucial for safeguarding our coastline, residences, and infrastructure,” Maxwell stated in a release from the U.S. Army Corps.
He emphasized that the initiative showcases a groundbreaking strategy for conservation and resource management. Through our partnerships, we are transforming potentially wasted dredge material into a valuable asset for our future.
The City of Galveston has responded to the temporary closure by opening approximately 300 feet of beach access at Pocket Park 3, situated near Sea Shell Beach and 11 Mile Road. The newly opened area allows vehicle access, offering beachgoers an alternative route while construction is underway.
