Lake Michigan channel used by Beaver Island ferry getting $530K repair
CHARLEVOIX, MI – A $530,000 project is set to begin at a well-traveled channel in a popular Lake Michigan getaway.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District will begin planned maintenance work in the navigation channel in Charlevoix to replace deteriorating timber fenders along the channel revetments.
The work will begin July 17 and continue daily until July 24. The channel will be restricted to a width of 45 feet while work is occurring, but ferry services to Beaver Island and recreational boat traffic in the channel are not expected to be interrupted.
Funded by the 2023 Work Plan budget, the project will replace 1,100 feet of timber fenders along the north and south channel revetment walls.
The timber fenders protect the structures from vessel impact, but the existing weathered timber fenders along the revetments are beyond their design life and require replacement.
“The Work Plan funding at Charlevoix Harbor is allowing the Corps of Engineers to execute structure maintenance to keep the project safe for users,” said Cindy Jarema, Chief of Operations and Maintenance Branch for the Detroit District.
Divers may be used for several work tasks and inspections during the project. Maintenance work will also include removal of a fallen pile cluster in the waterway and filling in a sinkhole along the south revetment.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors and channels joining Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
Manitowoc Riverbank undergoing restoration and renovation
The Manitowoc Riverbank will be experiencing some restoration in the next few weeks.
Pilings are currently being placed in the river to restore the dock wall that has eroded over the past several years.
They will also be demolishing the failed river wall and working on some drudging with the central goal being to restore the shoreline.
With the restoration in mind, a kayak launch will be installed where the car ferry used to dock along with boat docking areas.
MayorJustin Nickels also told Seehafer News, “A trail that’s going through that property, cleaning up making it a nice park-like setting where people can fish. There will be some fishing stations, and we’re going to actually be putting an outdoor fireplace in that area for people to enjoy.”
Restoring and renovating the Manitowoc shoreline will provide more opportunities for the water resources to be enjoyed and used to its fullest potential.
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- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin planned maintenance work in the navigation channel in Charlevoix, MI, to replace deteriorating timber fenders along the channel revetments. MLive
