VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — As we move closer to summer, it means the hot sands and sunshine of the Oceanfront beckons, but an issue with sand quality has put a beach replenishment project on hold, so it might be a little longer before you sink your toes into the golden sandy beaches you’re used to seeing.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing the sand nourishment project happening at the Oceanfront, but according to the city of Virginia Beach, the issue at hand is getting the best quality of sand in time for the busy beach season.

“The City of Virginia Beach continues to monitor conditions and support our Federal partners on this important resiliency project. We are looking forward to resuming the nourishment part of the project with higher quality material and getting the beach ready for a full and active beach season. “

From fun family memories to a prime vacation destination, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront has been known for its miles of sandy beaches.

“I’ve been at the beach since I was a little kid,” said tourist Caleb Giglio. “Virginia Beach is my first-ever beach that I ever been to and it’s just been an amazing place to go. You want that nice golden hot color from the sun.”

Achieving that picture-perfect quality of sand is why the Army Corps of Engineers chose to stop their beach replenishment project for now. They released a statement to 10 On Your Side on the status of the project.

Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, paused sand placement for the Virginia Beach renourishment project about two weeks ago due to concerns about sand quality related to sand grain size. When sand is too fine, it will wash away easier and be of less quality color. During this pause, we’ve taken samples from the Atlantic Ocean Channel to determine if this issue is isolated to a small area of the channel or more widespread. The material on the beach will remain, but finer grain material is less dense and will wash away more readily. It is our goal to maximize the beneficial placement of suitable sands onto the beach. Once our analysis is complete, we will work with our partners at the City of Virginia Beach and the contractor to resume sand placement operations.

The 2025 replenishment project began in late January along the resort area beach between 15th and 45th streets as part of a mitigation and environmental sustainability effort restoring eroded coastal areas damaged by severe climate conditions, such as storms, winds, waves and flooding.

With uncertainty on when the project will be complete, people are eager for a busy summer season.

“The goal of everyone who is a local here is to have the beaches ready for the season, so hopefully we can get the construction out of the way by summer,” said local resident Anthony Peluso said.

For now, though, the construction equipment stands still.

The Virginia Beach Oceanfront will remain open during the replenishment project outside the orange safety fenced areas.

To learn more about the Beach Replenishment Project, click here .