Posted on May 7, 2025
DETROIT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District construction to replace timber fenders on the East and West Government Basin Piers in Grand Haven begins May 19, 2025.
The wooden fenders, used as bumpers to protect vessels from damage against concrete and steel navigation structures, will be hoisted into place using Corps of Engineers floating platforms and welding them into place. The work is scheduled to be completed in mid-July.
“Replacing timber fenders is an important part of our Operations and Maintenance work on the Great Lakes to ensure safe navigational structures,” said Meghan Jacobs, Detroit District project manager overseeing the work. “We’re looking forward to continuing to improve the Government Basin as a federal asset in Grand Haven for decades to come.”
The U.S. Coast Guard Station Grand Haven leases the Grand Haven Government Basin from the Corps of Engineers to serve as a vessel refuge and docking location.
During timber fender construction, the East and West Government Basin Piers will be closed to the public, as well as the lower sidewalk passing between the Corps of Engineers Grand Haven Area Office and the Coast Guard Station. The public will be redirected to follow the sidewalk along South Harbor Drive when moving between the city and Lake Michigan waterfront.
For safety, the public is asked to follow all signage and staff using directional flags during active work times. Construction is expected to occur between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors and channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
To learn more about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District visit: https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Detroit-District/.
