Posted on June 10, 2025
The East Avenue Boat Launch in Erie is temporarily closed for dredging, a process expected to last two weeks.
According to Tony Pianta, Harbor Master at Erie Western PA Port Authority, the dredging aims to remove approximately 1,200 cubic yards of sediment that has accumulated over the years, making the basin shallow and unusable for boaters.
The Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority conducts maintenance dredging periodically, but a full dredging process has not been performed for about ten years.
Contractors from X-L Excavating are responsible for the dredging, which involves lifting the sediment into trucks and hauling it to the top of the launch for dewatering.
Once dewatered, the sediment will be taken to a landfill as clean fill.
A yellow flotation barrier, known as a turbidity curtain, is being used to contain the sediment and keep boaters out of the dredging area.
The area around the ramp is fenced off, but visitors can still access other parts of the launch while being mindful of the construction.
The East Avenue Boat Launch is expected to reopen by the end of next week, allowing boaters to resume their activities.
