Emma Schmitz Seawall replacement work set to begin July 15
Emma Schmitz Seawall replacement work set to begin July 15
The seawall at Emma Schmitz Mermorial Viewpoint, will be replaced and renewed in a joint project between the US Army Corps of Engineers and Seattle Parks and Recreation. The project set up is underway with work scheduled to begin around July 15.
US Army photo
Sat, 07/04/2020
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, has partnered with Seattle Parks and Recreation to design and implement a coastal storm damage reduction project to replace the existing 500-foot-long seawall at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, 4503 Beach Dr. SW, Seattle, WA 98116, that was constructed in the 1920s and has experienced significant erosion and damage from storm events.
The work is set to begin July 15 and some of the work will take place in the evening hours to take advantage of lower tides.
The new seawall will be a “soldier pile” (system of vertical piles spaced at a regular interval with material in between to create a wall) design, built a few feet seaward and a few feet higher than the existing seawall, and equipped with safety handrails that the current seawall lacks. This design will minimize the impact on the beach, address rising sea level concerns and create better contours for the restoration landscaping on the landward portion of the overlook area.
The recommended design would provide protection that addresses damages caused by coastal storm events in Puget Sound. Coastal storms and erosion continue to threaten public infrastructure located in and around the project footprint, including a 54 inch King County sewer main, a main public arterial, City park property, and other underground utilities. The project site is the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook in West Seattle.
The gear is in place for the work to be done. Photo by Patrick RobinsonBuilt in the 1920's the seawall is overdue for repair and replacement. Photo by US Army
Objectives
Reduce the risk of physical damages to public utilities and transportation infrastructure resulting from coastal storm events, storm-induced waves, and tidal fluctuations.
Reduce the risk of erosion and loss of public lands due to storm damages.
Reduce the risk of environmental impacts resulting from a sewer main failure.
Reduce annual operations and maintenance costs.
Reduce the risk of potential transportation delays and other emergency costs to residences, businesses and government entities resulting.
Milestones
September 27, 2019 - Seattle District awarded a $3 million contract to Redside Construction based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, to replace the existing seawall.
June 24, 2020 - Established construction site and staging of equipment and materials.
July 15, 2020 - Anticipate beginning construction.
