The Town of Southampton Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management has been advised by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (DPW) that some emergency assessment and work activity will be occurring along the beach and dune areas on the West side of the Shinnecock Inlet over the next several days to week. This project will necessitate areas of restricted access for the purposes of public safety.
In an effort to address vulnerable portions of the beach and dune on the West side of the Shinnecock Inlet that suffered coastal erosion impacts from the recent storm, Suffolk County DPW and contractors will be conducting work in the area. The efforts started yesterday, December 20, 2023 and may take approximately a week to complete barring any unforeseen issues. Weather conditions, holidays, and other factors may impact that timeline.
During the time that the project will be taking place, the beach area impacted by the project will be closed to pedestrian and four-wheel-drive vehicle access. The access restrictions are for public safety purposes and will be enforced by the Town of Southampton. The beach area of restricted access will be narrowed as best as possible in an attempt to preserve the greatest possible public access while still ensuring safety during this quick project.
During the time that the project will be taking place there will be construction vehicles and possible shifts in traffic patterns in the area, as well as some limited parking on the East side of the Ponquogue Beach parking lot. Individuals and drivers visiting the area are asked to use extreme caution due to some of these temporary changes.
This emergency project is an important factor in maintaining the resiliency of the beach and dune area on the West side of the Shinnecock Inlet as we continue through the winter nor’easter season.
