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Construction on the new groin — a massive rock protrusion that will look like an artificial jetty — began in early March.
Once completed, it will help stabilize the beach by preventing sand from drifting away. It also will help prevent Braddock Cove from filling with silt. It works by trapping sand and preventing it from moving around the southeastern tip of the island at Lands End in Sea Pines.
The town aimed for an April 5 completion date and wants all work done long before the Verizon Heritage golf tournament begins, said Scott Liggett, town director of public projects and facilities.
The town has wanted to replace the old groin — a wooden wall anchored in concrete — since 2007, but the process was delayed while regulatory agencies reviewed an appeal from a Sea Pines resident who complained the new structure would be an eyesore and would lower property values.
The wooden groin was constructed more than 30 years ago, but has not held up well over time. Town officials said pieces of it started literally falling into Calibogue Sound in 2008. Several large panels are missing, meaning it does little to prevent erosion.
The new groin will be constructed using massive boulders placed on top of the old structure. Savannah-based firm TIC is doing the project, which will cost about $490,000. The project is being paid for using beach preservation fee, which comes from a town 1 percent tax on overnight lodging.
