About one month after dredging began at John’s Pass, city officials say the project is roughly 20% complete.

The dredging effort, led by contractor Bayside Dredging, is removing sand that has accumulated beneath the John’s Pass Bridge. City officials say the work is progressing slowly as crews remove an estimated 13,000 cubic yards of sand from the channel.

The dredged sand is pumped into a large steel container at John’s Pass Park. Heavy equipment then transfers the material into dump trucks, which haul it about 1.5 miles to a disposal site near the Tom Stewart Causeway. The contractor is currently transporting about 12 to 14 truckloads of sand each workday.

Under the city’s contract, the project is expected to take about 90 days to complete. Work officially began Feb. 9 after years of delays tied to permitting and administrative turnover. The project is funded by a $1.5 million state grant awarded in 2022.

The dredging aims to remove what officials describe as a “false beach” that formed under the bridge. The buildup has developed over nearly three decades and has been blamed for creating strong currents and unsafe swimming conditions in the area. Local officials say John’s Pass has become the top location for water rescues because of those currents.

While the work continues, parking at John’s Pass Park is limited. Once completed, city leaders say the dredging should improve water flow through the pass and make the area safer for swimmers, boaters, and visitors.

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