New Bridge to Transform Popular Sands Beach in Port Royal
If you’ve ever visited the stunning Sands Beach in Port Royal, you know it’s a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Nestled on beautiful Battery Creek, it’s not unusual to witness a parade of vehicles and golf carts parked just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge. Anglers cast their lines hoping to reel in everything from small sharks to hefty black drums, while beachcombers scour the sand for those elusive shark’s teeth. And let’s not forget the gorgeous sunsets that attract just about everyone looking for a quiet moment of peace.
But There’s a Flip Side to Paradise
While this easily accessible beach is adored, it does come with a caveat. Signs along the access road serve as red flags that read, “Beware of incoming tides.” The tides here are notorious, sometimes catching unaware beachgoers off guard and creating hazardous conditions that can turn parts of the road and parking lot into treacherous pits.
This is exactly why town officials have decided it’s time to act! There’s a plan underway to build a 150- to 200-foot-long timber bridge that would rise high enough to accommodate the tides and provide a safe passage for both vehicles and pedestrians. Town Manager Van Willis stated, “It’s a pretty significant structure.” The new bridge will connect to existing features, including a boardwalk and observation deck, making the Sands Beach area even more appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Cost of Convenience
It turns out fixing the potholes caused by the relentless tides isn’t as simple as just filling them in. Each repair requires specific permits due to the marshy environment, adding additional bureaucratic steps to the mix. According to Willis, the town was looking for a permanent solution after noticing that changing topography and tide patterns have only worsened the problem in recent years.
The total cost for this much-needed project is estimated to be around $1.5 to $1.6 million. Funding will come from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. This act specifically targeted local municipalities for aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the deadline to use these funds is set for December 31. With any luck, the new causeway will be completed before summer, giving visitors a hassle-free beach experience they deserve!
A Local’s Anguish
Sheree Richnow, a local resident who has called Port Royal home for about three and a half years, recently spoke at a Town Council meeting. She urged local officials to better communicate with visitors about the hazards of sudden rising tides. Reflecting on her own scary experience last summer, Sheree shared how she was trapped in her car for more than an hour as the tide closed in. “It was pretty scary,” she recalled. “I made it out, but my car stalled on the other side of the water.”
Other Exciting Developments
This bridge project isn’t the only exciting thing happening at Sands Beach. The heavily-used Henry Robinson Boardwalk has been closed since last September after a tropical storm washed away part of it. Repairs are on the horizon, with costs estimated at around $200,000. Willis mentioned that about thirty large pilings needed for these repairs have already been delivered.
The maintenance doesn’t stop there! The Sands Beach boat landing also took a hit during the storm, and many are left wondering when it will be back in action. According to Beaufort County Councilwoman Alice Howard, O’Quinn Marine Construction has been selected to address the repairs, but they’re currently waiting on parts to get started.
As all these projects move forward, Port Royal is clearly banking on the future of its magnificent beach. Beachgoers, anglers, and sunset lovers, stay tuned—your favorite spot is about to get a glowing upgrade!
