A long-term repair project for the Charlestown Breachway is set to begin in mid-October, according to an announcement from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Town of Charlestown, and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). The initiative will start with the mobilization of equipment and materials.
The total funding for the project is $8.4 million. Of this amount, $5 million was allocated by the State through CRMC following a request from DEM, $2 million comes from CRMC specifically for dredging work, and $1.4 million has been provided by the Town of Charlestown.
The primary goals are to restore structural integrity to the breachway, improve navigation safety, stabilize the coastline, and maintain essential water flow for ecological balance and water quality. The plan includes adding granite boulders to raise the western wall and dredging storm-deposited sand from Ninigret Pond to rebuild adjacent beach and dune areas. Construction is scheduled for completion by April 2026 before camping and beach seasons begin; vegetation restoration should finish by fall 2026. More information on updates can be found at https://charlestownri.gov/breachwayinformation.
Governor Dan McKee stated: “This project is the result of strong collaborative planning between state agencies and the Town of Charlestown to improve the long-term resiliency of the breachway. Charlestown like many of our coastal communities is on the frontlines of climate change impacts, and by working together we’re making the necessary repairs to this critical infrastructure.”
DEM Director Terry Gray commented: “DEM appreciates the collaborative efforts of the Town of Charlestown and CRMC to work together to make long-term repairs and upgrades necessary to protect this important coastal infrastructure from climate change impacts. The Charlestown Breachway, Ninigret Pond, and the beachfront are important for our environment, recreation, and coastal resiliency. We recognize the Breachway area is popular year-round, and we’re committed to minimizing disruptions whenever possible.”
CRMC Executive Director Jeffrey Willis added: “CRMC is proud to continue supporting our coastal communities through the upcoming dredging and restoration work at Charlestown Breachway. The planning has truly been a collaborative effort, including State agencies, local representatives, researchers, local non-profits, and community leaders. The improved structure has been designed to account for sea level rise and coastal storms and should hopefully benefit coastal users of all types – from the aquaculture farmers to the boaters, to the beach goers – for decades to come.”
Charlestown Town Administrator Jeffrey Allen said: “The Charlestown Breachway is far more than just a structure; it provides connectivity to our coastal environments, supports our economy, and functions to foster our community. Restoring the Breachway and dredging Ninigret Pond will improve water quality, protect aquatic habitats, enhance our local and state economy and ensure public safety. This project safeguards not only Charlestown’s natural heritage but also the recreational and economic vitality that benefit the entire State of Rhode Island.”
A section of Blue Shutters Town Parking Lot will be used as a pre-staging area during construction activities; parking may be limited but pedestrian access will remain open. Granite boulders are expected for delivery in early November before being transported along East Beach for use in construction at the breachway site.
Stone wall repairs are planned from November through April 2026. Due to space limitations associated with heavy equipment operation in these areas—especially along East Beach barrier—there may be increased traffic or temporary driving restrictions during certain phases.
Additionally, DEM is leading a habitat restoration project at Ninigret Beach in partnership with Save The Bay. Heavy machinery will operate between Blue Shutters Town Beach and Charlestown Breachway during this period as well.
Some portions of CRMC-permitted sand trails will close temporarily; new traffic patterns will be implemented as needed throughout construction activity on East Beach Sand Trail. Updates about vehicle permit access can be found via CRMC’s website.
Oversight for engineering comes from RMA GeoEnvironmental based in Wickford; CAB Construction (Mary A Farm LLC) out of Foster handles reconstruction tasks while J.F. Brennan Company from La Crosse oversees dredging operations on west side restoration.
