Posted on July 13, 2026
DETROIT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District, is requesting beach traffic park at a nearby pavilion during its $1.8 million critical infrastructure modifications to the breakwater at the Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance near Houghton, Michigan. Ongoing construction began in late June and is expected to be complete by Oct. 1.
The contractor is modifying and raising the height of a 370-foot stretch of the breakwater with an option to perform additional improvements on another 50-foot segment. This will help bolster the strength of the structure and help halt the movement of stamp sand through and over the breakwater,
“This important project is a dual opportunity to improve the breakwater structure and limit stamp sand movement into critical Great Lakes habitat areas,” said Corey Weston, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Resident Engineer for the Duluth Office. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete this project during the limited summer construction window.”
The scope of work features several major engineering and environmental tasks:
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Sand Excavation and Containment: Excavating, hauling, and safely disposing of migrating stamp sand within a specified confined disposal facility (CDF) to prevent further environmental dispersion.
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Stone Reworking: Excavating and restructuring the existing heavy armor stones along the breakwater.
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Multi-Layer Stone Placement: Supplying and placing new bedding stone (D-Stone) as a foundation, core stone (C-Stone) for structural stability, and armor stone (A-Stone) to shield the breakwater from severe wave action.
Public Access and Safety During Construction
To maintain public safety during heavy equipment operations, the local township has requested that all beach visitors park near the Picnic Pavilion located at 55745 Canal Road. Visitors should walk to the beach from this designated lot by following the posted detour signage, making sure to avoid the active construction zone.
The Keweenaw Waterway serves as a critical Great Lakes harbor of refuge and shipping canal. This reinforcement project ensures the channel remains safe and clear for commercial and recreational vessels while executing the Detroit District’s commitment to Great Lakes environmental stewardship.
The Detroit District oversees 3,150 miles of shoreline, 81 harbors and channels connecting the Great Lakes, and manages projects across Michigan and parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
