Posted on May 25, 2020
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, began repairs to the Lorain breakwater in Lake Erie on May 12.
The contractor, Great Lakes Dock and Materials LLC, from Muskegon, Michigan, will complete the 2017 cell repair, consisting of a 50-linear-foot void with a stone base and vertical sheet pile on top. A cell of the Lorain breakwater was removed in 2017 after it fell into disrepair. Additionally, any remaining cracks will be repaired and solar-powered lights will be added across both sides of the entire breakwater.
“I’m pleased to see that the Army Corps of Engineers will commence work on the Lorain breakwater, which has been in desperate need of repairs for years,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo. “A breakwater is the first line of defense against the turbulent tides of Lake Erie for many of our lake front communities. As we face the reality of rising lake levels, diligence is required to insure the safety and navigability of many harbors in the Great Lakes region. I appreciate the Army Corps of Engineers’ partnership and attention to this important investment for the city of Lorain and its commercial and recreational harbor users and look forward to future efforts that have a direct, substantive effect on our lake front communities.”
The $2.1 million contract was awarded to Great Lakes Dock and Materials LLC in September. The repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the 2020 construction season.
“The Corps is continually looking for ways to work collaboratively with stakeholders on all of Lake Erie’s harbors,” said Russ Brandenburg, USACE Buffalo District senior project manager. “The Lorain Harbor repair is a perfect example of how our strong collaboration with the Port of Lorain has resulted in positive benefits through infrastructure improvements for Lake Erie and the public that use it.”
Source: The Chronicle
