Broughty Ferry traders are braced for months of disruption as works take place to shore up the dune system.
Rock armour revetments are being put in place, but a Dundee City Council spokesman confirmed there would be no closures of the beach between the Glass Pavilion and Bridge Street.
Councillor Laurie Bidwell said: “Unfortunately it is a regrettable necessity.
“This is work that simply needs to be done and it will be good for Broughty Ferry in the long run and I think it’s positive that they have been so decisive about this and haven’t put it on the back burner.
“I joined the local community in calling for further consultation.
“There will be a number of access points to the beach that will remain accessible to the public so that if you walk along you won’t have to walk the length of the beach.
“I respect the city engineers, and it’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought into this and not just cooked it up in a few minutes.
“It has to happen during the summer as the risk of storms disrupting work is much less, and the weight limit roads and low bridges in the Ferry make the route of the vehicles necessary.
“It is a downside, but we seem to be stuck with it.”
A spokesperson for Broughty Ferry Traders Association said: “We are very supportive of various efforts made on this vital work to safeguard the dune system for future generations.
“We have the gala this year which brings thousands in to the Ferry, as well as beer festivals and people who come here with the sailing, which I think will more than compensate.
“It is undeniably unfortunate it will take place during our busiest trading period, but we have assurances it will be orchestrated in such a way as to cause minimum disruption.
“Previously the dunes have caused problems for residents living along there, and Monifieth lost all of its dune systems over a generation, so we’re happy the council is taking steps to save these award-winning dunes.”
Will Dawson, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “This work is needed to provide coastal protection and flood protection after significant quantities of the sand dunes were eroded.
“Access to and along the beach will generally be maintained throughout the works however, the public are asked to take care in the vicinity.”
The current works are expected to be completed by the end of September.