HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20190116_DuneProject.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Ricky Stewart, Director of Infrastructure
(912) 472-5041
rstewart@cityoftybee.org
Dune Restoration Project to Begin on Tybee Island
Tybee Island, Ga. – (January 16, 2019) To repair damage to the dune system caused by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, and to protect better against future storm surge on the island, the
City of Tybee will be working before the summer season begins to enhance the sand dune defenses on the south end of the island. With approval of the project from the Georgia Department
of Natural Resources, sand will be trucked in and placed on the most landward side of the beach to enhance protection of Tybee’s commercial Strand area from direct water incursion during
a hurricane.
Both Hurricanes Irma and Michael showed that the dune structures on Tybee provide an excellent barrier protection for points farther inland. Although rising waters did produce significant
damage, the extent of that damage was reduced at least in part because little wave action reached past the dunes to cause further harm to businesses and homes.
The bulk of the project will begin immediately following the Critz Tybee Run, which will take place on the island between February 1st and 3rd.
Beach access ramps began to be removed on January 14th, at 17th Street. Next, the 18th Street crossover will be taken up, and finally the Tybrisa cross-over will be removed by the end
of January. The beach will remain accessible, but only from the Pavilion access or points further north or beyond the 19th Street ramp to the south. The beach itself, between the Pier
and 19th, will have limited access and use due to the project activity. Work is expected from 7 AM until 7 PM, Monday through Saturday.
New access ramps, using garapa wood, similar to the newly installed crossovers at 14½ and Gulick Streets, will replace these cross-overs after the project completes. Tybrisa’s access
should be restored in mid-March, while the 17th Street cross-over will be rebuilt in late March. The 18th Street ramp will have a mobility-mat in place which should be available in
mid-March.
Due to existing issues from earlier king tides, 19th Street crossover is currently unusable. It will be fully in place by mid-April.
The Taylor Street crossover is closed now and will remain closed until the new Marine Science Center is completed, which is scheduled for late February, 2020.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee
Post Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs.
Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest,
the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off
the Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs,
and making sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.
org/.
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