CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The beach is busy in the Port Canaveral area, but it’s not just tourists basking on the sand.

The area south of Jetty Park is currently a construction zone. The goal is to remove sand buildup from the north side of the entrance to the port and funnel it through submerged pipelines to designated storage areas on the beach.

It’s part of the port’s Sand Bypass-Beach Renourishment Project, made possible with a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Brevard County Natural Resources.

When the work is done, some 1.5 million cubic yards of sand will be dredged.

Mike Strauch is visiting from Illinois and staying at the Jetty Park campground. He believes this is a positive change.

“From what we’re seeing, we think it’s necessary,” Strauch said. “They are moving so quickly, you can see the progress.”

Tourism leaders say the beaches are the top reason people visit the Space Coast, bringing in some $2 billion a year.

“The Space Coast is world famous for its beaches, including our own Jetty Park, and Port Canaveral is proud to support the continued efforts of this important and ongoing federal initiative,” Port Canaveral CEO Captain John Murray said.

Beach access is restricted in the active construction zones, but crews have placed sand ramps every 200-300 feet, allowing beachgoers to get to the ocean.

The project is expected to wrap up by the beginning of sea turtle nesting season March 1.