Project Status

High waters from February’s flooding continue to delay completion of the ramp which needs to be pushed an additional 25 feet into the river. With waters potentially not set to recede for several weeks, temporary concrete was installed to bridge the gap between the end of the asphalt and current start of the in-water ramp. The project will eventually add a courtesy dock in the area marked by the temporary fencing in this photo.

The “binder course” or base layer of the asphalt parking area and drive has been completed. Below this point, pavement could be underwater, so concrete (which will not float) will be used.

Crews begin installing the base layer of asphalt (called binder) for the parking and drive on the approach to the new ramp.

Slabs for the boat ramp are formed and poured in 25 ft. sections on dry land. The first section has cured sufficiently to be pushed into the water. The next slab will be joined to the first via the green epoxy coated connectors and then pushed extending the ramp 50 ft. into the water.

Here you see the first of the ramp slabs which includes lifting points on the leading edge to assist moving it into the river. This slab will be pushed 50 ft. into the river by project completion.

Base stone for the new asphalt has been completed and covered with plastic to reduce the impact of current heavy rains. Forms have been installed for the new concrete curbs that will edge the pavement.

Rip rap has been installed along the new shoreline to protect the banks from erosion during high water events.

Crews install a base layer of stone to support the asphalt and concrete.

Soft alluvial soils adjacent to the river are stabilized with larger stone then gravel to provide a stable surface to support the boat ramp concrete.

Boulders uncovered during rough grading will be placed in the park to protect vulnerable areas from erosion.

Rough grading of the accessible boat parking area is almost complete.

This erosion control measure protects the river from sediment disturbed during construction.

This erosion control measure protects the river from sediment disturbed during construction.

With the work already partially complete, crews are able to keep one ramp open during this year’s work. Boaters should use caution as the area is a worksite and need to note that there is no turnaround beyond the posted sign.

Floodwaters returned in a near repeat of the 2019 floods. With the construction area under 6 ft. of water, construction was halted for nearly a month.

With river levels below 810 ft., crews were able to grade and form for the final slab that will connect the first two slabs to the parking area. Epoxy protects the rebar from rot in the marine environment. Crews are seen here installing the ribbed finish that helps drain water from the ramp surface and provide traction.

Crews completed construction of the courtesy dock abutment which will anchor the gangway to the shore and provides ADA access to the courtesy dock.

A new accessible boat parking space connects to the added boat ramp via the striped accessible path to the side of the parking area making it easier for those with mobility issues to use the ramp.

This striped area along the side of the parking area provides a fully accessible path connecting the boat ramp to parking and other amenities in the park. The grades on this path make it easy for those with mobility issues to independently navigate the park.