US Army Corps of Engineers Launches $1.8 Million Keweenaw Waterway Breakwater Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The US Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District (USACE Detroit District) is advancing the Keweenaw Waterway breakwater project near Houghton, Michigan, with a total investment of $1.8 million, expected to be completed by October 1.

According to the project plan, the contractor will modify and raise a 370-foot-long section of the breakwater, with an option to perform additional reinforcement on another 50-foot section as needed. The US Army Corps of Engineers stated that this will help enhance structural strength and prevent slag sand from crossing or overtopping the breakwater.

Corey Weston, resident engineer at the US Army Corps of Engineers Duluth Office, said the project has dual significance: improving the breakwater structure while limiting slag sand from entering critical Great Lakes habitats.

The scope of work includes sand excavation and containment, stone reworking, and multi-layer stone placement. Sand excavation and containment involve excavating, transporting, and safely disposing of displaced slag sand in designated restricted disposal facilities; stone reworking includes excavating and repositioning existing heavy armor stone along the breakwater; multi-layer stone placement requires supplying and placing new bedding stone as a foundation, core stone for structural stability, and armor stone to withstand strong wave impacts.

The US Army Corps of Engineers noted that the Keweenaw Waterway is an important harbor of refuge and navigation channel in the Great Lakes. This reinforcement project aims to ensure the waterway remains safe and accessible for commercial and recreational vessels, while fulfilling the Detroit District's commitment to Great Lakes environmental stewardship.