Beach replenishment is several months behind schedule at Bay Head.

Heavy machinery and blocked-off portions are causing concerns for beachgoers, local businesses and neighborhood groups ahead of the start of beach badge season.

"It's no secret that we're not happy with how this is all taking place. We think it could have been and should have been scheduled in a way that it minimized the impact on beachgoers and the business owners that depend on beachgoers," said Bill Gage, president of Bay Head Improvement Association.

It's part of a federal beach replenishment project, announced in 2024, to widen and improve the Jersey Shore. A total of 2.1 million cubic yards of sand are being dredged up and spread throughout Ocean County beaches.

"I'm glad it's getting done because it needs to get done," said Mike Moore, Colts Neck. "We need the sand."

However, other beachgoers disagree with the work being done during the peak of the season. Construction was originally anticipated to be complete during the beginning of May.

An area of 1,000 feet will be blocked off with machinery periodically as work continues throughout the summer.

"When I first saw it, I was confused. I didn't understand why they would even be here," said Angeline Bembischew, of Brick Township. "I think that they should have kept on top of it because it's already June and more people are going to be coming down to the beach."

According to a spokesperson with the Army Corps of Engineers, the schedule for dredging and beachfill projects is dependent on weather, ocean conditions and equipment availability. The spokesperson says this has impacted the schedule.