After 2 ocean breaches, state uses riprap to fortify dune by Indian River Inlet bridge

After the ocean breached the dune on the north side of the Indian River Inlet bridge Sunday night, temporarily shutting down Coastal Highway for the second time this year, riprap is being used to fortify the sand.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Department of Transportation are working jointly to stabilize the weakened area of the dune in Delaware Seashore State Park.

"The immediate goal of the project is to protect critical infrastructure, with a long-term goal of restoring the beach area for recreational use and the functionality of the dune system as quickly as possible," DNREC spokesman Michael Globetti said.

Riprap (rock) has already been placed on the landward side of the dune to provide stability against "abnormally increased wave action caused by the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Ernesto," Globetti said, and to prepare for both high tides during the coming weekend's full moon and future storms.

Riprap isn't typically used to fortify dunes, but the two state departments made the emergency decision to use it to protect highway infrastructure, Globetti said. More riprap may be placed in the future and sand is being used, as well.

Work on the dune will continue through the foreseeable future and materials deliveries will likely cause intermittent lane closures on northbound Route 1 over the next few days.

Access to the beach in the area of the dune being repaired, at the northern foot of the bridge, will be limited throughout the project.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: After 2 ocean breaches, state uses riprap to fortify dune by Indian River Inlet bridge