As part of the third phase of the Lakewalk restoration project, the stones are being temporarily stockpiled along the gravel beach before construction is expected to start this spring on the stretch between Endion Station Inn and the Lake Superior Marine Museum, city construction project supervisor Michael LeBeau said.
“No we’re not destroying the gravel beach,” said LeBeau at a news conference Wednesday, referencing questions he’s heard from citizens. “We’re just using it because it is an open space to get the stones in and close to the project.”
A side dump truck backs into position to be unloaded on the Canal Park beach Wednesday while pedestrians walk on the detoured Lakewalk just outside the fenced construction zone. (Steve Kuchera / [email protected])
The 76,000 tons of boulders will reinforce the shoreline to build a stronger Lakewalk that can withstand expected storms in the future as climate change creates more erratic weather. The design, which is 90% complete, was created using modern coastal engineering standards, LeBeau said.
The city hopes to go to start requesting bids for the project within the next month. Construction will likely take place from May through the fall, LeBeau said. Access to the beach will be closed throughout that time and pedestrians will continue to be directed to walk along the gravel horse-carriage path adjacent to the Lakewalk between both ends of Canal Park.
In addition to a new Lakewalk, the reconstruction will include a new asphalt trail, lights, benches and stormwater management system.
The city has other shoreline construction projects planned for the season, including repairing damaged shoreline near the Lakewood Water Treatment Plant and Pump Station in northern Duluth.
Stone will be added to help armor the shoreline and the building that’s the source of all of Duluth’s drinking water.
“That shoreline was severely damaged in storms the past few years and the erosion is working its way back to the building and the pipes,” LeBeau said. “The infrastructure there just cannot fail.”
The operator of a Sennebogen material handler adds rocks from a side dump truck to a growing pile on the Canal Park beach. (Steve Kuchera / [email protected])
Matt Baumgartner, president of Canal Park Business Association, which represents 60 businesses in the Canal Park area, said the association will participate in marketing campaigns to ensure people know businesses are still open while construction is going.
“Then from there each individual business will have to do the best that they can to protect any bottom line they might have,” Baumgartner said.
The strategy is similar to what the Greater Downtown Duluth’s Council’s did during the Superior Street reconstruction projects.
Businesses that rely on tourists are more concerned than others, like insurance agencies or legal firms, about the effects of the construction, Baumgartner said.
The grapple attachment on a material handler holds a rock weighing between six and 12 tons. (Steve Kuchera / [email protected])
Every month, the association holds a meeting for its members and the city has been communicating with businesses providing updates on the project.
“They really have tried to make it as palatable as possible, Baumgartner said. “It’s still going to be a challenge. It’s still gonna be hard for people.”
Two other shoreline projects are slated for 2020, including repairs around Bayfront Festival Park and two locations along Congdon Boulevard that were damaged in storms.
