The Port of Grays Harbor is continuing its efforts to replace and upgrade the bank line at the Westport Marina. The first phase was installed in 1993 and included 1,320 feet in front of the walkway along Westhaven Drive, from the main dock to the Islander.

The second phase was installed in 1998 and included 230 feet from the main dock to just southeast of the fuel dock. The third phase was planned to include the remaining 1,200 feet from the end of the second phase, along the rest of Westhaven Drive and then along a portion of Patterson Street to the end of the seawall. That phase was shortened to 320 feet due to funding limitations and completed in 2006. The current work will complete the final 735 feet of the third phase.

The repairs include the replacement of the existing wooden piling/plank lower wall with polyvinyl sheet piling that will be backfilled with several grades of rock, adding to the existing seawall along Westhaven Drive.

The old wooden viewing platform located near Float 5 has been demolished. New chain link-style railing will be installed along the length of the project.

The wooden entranceways to Floats 5, 7, 9, and 11 will be removed to facilitate the installation of the sheet pile and replaced with new wood.

The port has designed new float head signs and will also purchase new LED light fixtures. These will be provided to the contractor to install at the float entrances.

The contractor will also install conduit along the seawall for future security camera upgrades by the Port.

The engineer for the project is Hari Sharma of Berglund &Schmidt and Associates of Aberdeen.

The estimated cost for the work was between $650,000 and $700,000. Funds for the construction were included in the Port’s capital budget.

Last week, workers started installing anchors in the existing seawall that will connect to the new sheet pile and then began driving the sheet pile. The work is expected to be completed in approximately two weeks.

Randy Lewis is the Port of Grays Harbor director of environment and engineering services.

BARB AUE | SOUTH BEACH BULLETIN

Clockwise from top left: The old observation platform between Floats 5 and 7 has been removed. The existing wooden piling/plank lower wall will be replaced with polyvinyl sheet piling then backfilled with rock. The existing wood railing will be replaced with chain link fencing like that at the left. BARB AUE | SOUTH BEACH BULLETIN