Part of a popular New York City beach damaged during Superstorm Sandy will be closed over the Labor Day weekend as officials begin a sand replenishment program.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Chris Gardner says Friday that Rockaway Beach between Beach 110th Street and Beach 130th Street will be closed this weekend.

Gardner says crews are replacing 3.5 million cubic yards of sand.

Some beachgoers have complained about the closed stretch of sand.

But Gardner tells WNBC-TV the restoration was beginning so soon at the urging of Rockaway residents. He says the hope is to finish before hurricane season starts.

Rockaway Beach between Beach 94th Street and Beach 10th Street has been restored and is open.

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