Delaware’s Battle Against the Atlantic: Protecting Route 1 at Indian River Inlet

Coastal Delaware is no stranger to erosion, but the north side beach at Indian River Inlet is facing an escalating crisis. Weeks of aggressive tides have forced the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to take emergency measures—while scrambling to find funding for a long-term solution. As the Atlantic threatens Route 1, the state is pulling out all the stops to keep this vital highway intact.

A Temporary Fix: The Fight to Stabilize the Dune

Since August 18, when the dune on the northeast end of the Indian River Inlet bridge was last breached, DNREC crews have been in emergency response mode.

• Sand and Rock Barriers – Crews from DNREC and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) have been working six days a week, trucking in sand, placing riprap (large rocks), and creating a temporary dune to hold back the ocean.
• Erosion Monitoring – High tides are closely watched, as the area remains vulnerable to further breaches.
• Dune Reinforcement – The department has spent more than $600,000 in the past year relocating sand to strengthen the eroded dune.

To minimize disruption, DNREC waited until after Labor Day to start harvesting sand from the south side of the inlet. That sand, now stockpiled in the southside parking lot, is being moved to the north side to fortify the fragile dune.

The Long-Term Plan: A $15 Million Problem

While these emergency efforts buy time, the state is pushing for a more permanent solution: a major sand replenishment project.

• Originally Planned for 2025 – DNREC had scheduled dredging to restore the north side beach next year, but accelerating erosion has forced them to seek expedited approval for a fall 2024 start.
• Funding Shortfall – The project carries a $15 million price tag—money the department does not currently have.
• Hopes for Federal Assistance – DNREC has been in talks with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state lawmakers, but federal funding has not yet materialized.

Senator Russ Huxtable (D-Lewes) has been actively working to secure both state and federal funds, but as of now, no specific timeline has been given for when state money will be available.

What’s Next? Emergency Measures & Public Input

Governor John Carney announced that the state will perform an emergency sand replenishment project in the coming months to protect both the beach and Route 1 during the winter storm season. However, no official funding confirmation has been provided.

To keep the public informed, DNREC will host a public information session:

• Location: Bethany Beach Town Hall
• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 25
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Topics will include:

• The history of efforts to maintain the inlet beach
• Details on the emergency replenishment work
• Long-term plans for coastal protection

The Road Ahead: What Delawareans Need to Know

For now, the north side inlet beach remains closed, along with the north side beach parking lot. South side beach access may also be limited during work hours, so visitors should exercise caution.

In the coming weeks, DNREC will take additional measures, including installing sheet pile walls (steel barriers) to strengthen the dune.

Why This Matters

• Route 1 is critical infrastructure – A breach could cause major disruptions to travel, commerce, and emergency response.
• Erosion is worsening – Without intervention, future storms could create even bigger problems.
• Delaware needs long-term solutions – Emergency fixes buy time, but sustainable coastal management is essential.

With emergency projects in motion and public input opportunities on the horizon, the battle to keep the ocean off Route 1 is far from over. Stay tuned for updates as Delaware fights to protect its coastline and infrastructure.