Algoma Harbor construction gate, September 3, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
ALGOMA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Improvements are underway at a popular site along Lake Michigan.
“The concrete top was starting to fail. The wood piling infrastructure underneath it was getting to its life expectancy and needed for an update,” said Algoma City Administrator Matt Murphy.
Crews have been working on the $15 million harbor project in the city of Algoma all summer.
The shoreline gate is up at the end of the 1,500 foot long break wall heading into Lake Michigan. Algoma City Public Services Manager Casey Groessl says work began here in mid-May.
“They’ve been busting apart the concrete and driving in sheet piling. The sheet piling goes into the ground about 30 feet. And they tie it together with some big tie rods. And then, they’ll encase the whole thing in concrete. It’ll be about two feet of concrete all the way around, adding the top and the outside,” said Groessl.
Groessl says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns the break wall, which dates back to the 1880s.
“They just dictate when it gets replaced and they decided it was time. They were unsure what the pilings were like underneath, so that’s why they’re doing the sheet pilings all the way down into the ground,” he said.
Murphy says visits to the marina and break wall impact the local economy.
“Much needed. Great for the city. It is used. It’s amazing how many people take a walk out there, enjoy the sunrise or be out there fishing, or just a walk out there to cool off,” said Murphy.
Murphy says salmon fishing from the break wall won’t be allowed this fall. He says people won’t be able to go onto the structure until it is entirely finished, which he says, at the very earliest, could be the fall of next year.
Until then, Groessl says no matter what the season, year round safety is key.
“In winter, we prefer pedestrians don’t go out there. This winter, there won’t be any traffic out there. The fence will be up throughout the whole winter months. I know there’s a lot of people that like going out there, but for now, it’s just unsafe for anybody to be out there,” he said.
After the south break wall is finished, improvements are scheduled for the north break wall, which includes the concrete pathway leading to the iconic Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse.
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