In Strathmere, crews began moving sand early Monday morning at low tide and continue working to restore access ahead of the Labor Day weekend.
Officials have already reopened a few of the damaged paths and are aiming to make as many access points available as possible for holiday visitors.
Beachgoers have noticed the impact. "We've been coming here so many years and noticing how it's been eroding. But this is the worst we've ever seen it," said Chris Kooistra of Mantua, N.J.
The storm left behind cliffs as high as six to eight feet in some areas, compounding pre-existing erosion issues. Heavy equipment is being used to push sand back up to the beach paths in an effort to reopen more of them.
"We have a crew that's getting ready to get back on the bulldozer here at low tide. We plan on opening up three more today if we can," said Upper Township Mayor Curtis T. Corson Jr.
Safety is also a growing concern. Officials are warning visitors to stay away from the newly formed cliffs, which pose a serious risk of collapse.
"They're ready to collapse. And so that sand can collapse on somebody, and we're probably not going to get them out before they perish. So it's a really hazardous situation that people overlook," said Upper Township Beach Patrol Chief Bill Handley.
With many families expected to visit for one last summer weekend, crews will continue working at low tide to improve beach access.
"Beaches will be open. As many as possible. We're not going to have 100% but we're going to try to get as close as we can to it," Corson said.
Local officials are coordinating with the state Department of Environmental Protection, which is assessing shore points along the coast.
Mayor Corson also noted that a group of Jersey Shore mayors is scheduled to meet with Congressman Jeff Van Drew this week to discuss ongoing beach replenishment needs.