If you are planning on heading to Port Royal Beach in Naples this week, you'll need to watch out for crews.
Starting Monday, the 33rd Ave S. access point at Port Royal Beach will be closed. This is all part of the ongoing beach renourishment project.
"We had no idea they were doing any work here," said Naples resident Patrick McGowan.
Neighbors like Patrick McGowen visit Naples beach every week. However, he recently came across an unexpected surprise when he pulled up.
"All of a sudden, all these big trucks on the beach being blocked off the beach next door was crowded as we rode by, and we were really surprised. So, we knew something was up," said McGowan.
Crews are working hard to get the beach back to where it was before the recent hurricanes. Starting Monday, the next phase for the South Naples emergency berm project is expected to begin.
Along 33rd Avenue, traffic cones and huge construction trucks are already lined up ready to go.
"I didn't have any idea what was going on because it said, beach restoration, like, the beach was closed, and, I wouldn't know what to, to make of that. Really, with all these, like, huge vehicles here, it seems like they'd be putting up a skyscraper or something," said visitor Nick Baldwin.
This project will complete the emergency berm project that started in the Spring of 2023 after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian.
The berm will be built along the high side of the beach from 21st Ave South to Gordon Pass. With this project, 45,000 tons of sand will be hauled in.
Sand deliveries are set to start tomorrow, which means 33rd Ave will be closed to the public during construction... A road many who use the beach often access.
The project should only take about two weeks and is expected to be completed the end of this month.
Once completed, over 400,000 tons of sand will be placed on Collier County beaches from Barefoot Beach to Cape Marco.
"I think it's fine. We always need it. I mean, I've been here for 55 years and we've been replenishing the beach forever, but. And usually dredge it up a little further out, out to out in the gulf," said McGowan.
"I think that's great. I think they have to do what they have to do, you know, I mean, the beach is like a gem here and it needs to be conserved, maintained for everybody to enjoy, you know?" said Baldwin.
Drivers and bicyclists are now on alert for workers and equipment in the area.
"I would say, go to some of the earlier spots on the road, don't come all the way down to the end and keep it open for the cyclists and the walkers and, and just wait till the construction is done," said Baldwin.
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