The Sands Beach Boat Landing is now open for boaters and beach-goers in Port Royal.
The Sands Beach Boat Landing in Port Royal has reopened after a four-month closure due to damage from Tropical Storm Helene. Repairs have been completed, restoring access to Battery Creek and the Beaufort River. While the boat ramp is operational, additional repairs are ongoing in the area, including the Henry Robinson Boardwalk and a new timber bridge to enhance safety during high tides. The community can look forward to improvements and safer access to the beach as the summer approaches.
Great news for boaters and beach-goers in Port Royal! After a lengthy closure of nearly four months, the Sands Beach Boat Landing has finally reopened to the public. The ramp was shut down following serious damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene back in late September. The good news is that the repairs are complete, and residents can now take advantage of one of Beaufort County’s most popular boat ramps once again!
The Sands Beach boat ramp provides vital access to Battery Creek and the picturesque Beaufort River. As folks head out to enjoy the waters, they can feel confident that the repairs have opened the way for smooth sailing once more. For anyone looking for more details about the ramp or ongoing maintenance in the area, they are encouraged to reach out to Beaufort County Public Works at 843-255-2800.
While the boat landing is ready for visitors, there’s still a lot of work to be done in Port Royal. Additional repairs are underway following the storm’s impact, which was more extensive than initially thought. For example, the high surge of water from Helene not only damaged the ramp but washed away a significant section of the Henry Robinson Boardwalk that runs along Battery Creek. Fortunately, repairs to this beloved boardwalk are already in motion!
The boardwalk repair project is estimated to cost about $200,000, and it includes enhancements to the observation tower, which thankfully did not sustain damage. On top of that, a new construction project is in the works that aims to build a 150- to 200-foot-long timber bridge. This bridge will make pedestrian and vehicle access to Sands Beach safer, especially during high tides. As many locals know, those high tides can create tricky, dangerous situations.
The problems with high tides are well-known among visitors. Rising water levels have trapped beach visitors and created large holes in the parking area and roads leading up to the beach. The new bridge will elevate access over these unpredictable areas, working in harmony with the existing infrastructure, like the boardwalk and observation deck. With an estimated cost of $1.5 to $1.6 million, this project will be sunshining out of the cloud thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Repairs are projected to finish before summer arrives, with a deadline to obligate the ARPA funds set for December 31. Many visitors have shared their experiences of navigating hazardous conditions during high tides, and it’s clear that the community is ready for a more permanent solution. Town Manager Van Willis has reiterated the need for long-term fixes to adapt to changing landscapes and tide patterns, which have worsened over the years.
Local resident Sheree Richnow has had her own harrowing experience—being trapped by rising water during a visit to Sands Beach. It’s stories like hers that highlight the necessity for the bridge and other repairs. Meanwhile, repairs to the Henry Robinson Boardwalk are expected to wrap up after the New Year, with approximately 30 large pilings already delivered for the project.
For boaters, beach enthusiasts, and anyone who simply enjoys soaking up the sun by the water, the reopening of the Sands Beach boat ramp is a welcome development. So, grab those fishing rods, pack your beach towels, and head out—Port Royal is ready for a fun time once again!
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