HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is warning people who visit Grand Haven’s pier to be extra careful.
Teh $3.5 million pier renovation project, started in 2017 included rremoving the existing concrete surface, filling voids with stone, checking structural integrity and resurfacing the pier with new concrete. The City will be installing the catwalk next spring.
The project got delayed, however, by high water levels and the water remains hight, Corps officials said, which will lead to waves overtopping the structure more frequently. Slippery conditions can exist, and could surprise those familiar with the pier.
“The safety of all that use the Grand Haven pier is always a concern, especially because the structure has not had pedestrian traffic for a couple of years,” said Tom O’Bryan, Lake Michigan Area Office, area engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “I just want to remind all that it can be slippery when wet. Do not go out during high seas but enjoy from a distance.”
“It is exciting to see the completion of the work to the south pier navigation structure after almost two years,” O’Bryan said. “This has been a challenging and exciting project due to the high water levels, but through the partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the contractors, subcontractors, the City of Grand Haven and the local community, we have completed the work.”
The Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 91 harbors and four connecting channels, including the channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
Learn more about Grand Haven Harbor, visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Operations/Grand-Haven-Harbor-MI/