Weather waylays breakwater work

Port Washington’s breakwater project won’t be completed this year.

Michels Corp of Brownsville, which was expected to complete work on the far east side of the breakwater this fall, recently decided to postpone the remaining work until spring, City Administrator Tony Brown said.

The crew decided to end work for the year after reviewing the weather forecast through the end of October, when temperatures dipped into the low 30s for several days — conditions that would have meant the bonding agent and concrete they were to apply to the top of the breakwater would not adhere as they were designed to, Brown said.

The company had intended to install concrete forms in the areas where the concrete was removed and then pour the new concrete, he said.

The company has moved much of its equipment from the area, although some items may be left in Port until work resumes in spring, Brown said. Appropriate signage and fencing will be used to secure it.

Michels was awarded a $1.2 million contract this summer to complete the project, replacing “loose, delaminated, broken concrete” along the easternmost 1,000 feet of the breakwater, anchor steel plating to the sides of the structure, install a new concrete base and finish the walkways with new concrete panels.

It is the last piece of the breakwater to be repaired, providing a safer surface for visitors to walk to the lighthouse.

The city has made a concerted effort to repair the breakwater over the past seven years, lobbying federal officials for funding and hiring a consultant to help find grants to pay for much of the work.

Late last month, the Common Council agreed to pay Foth as much as $40,600 to manage the project, inspect the work and review shop drawings. The work, officials said, is needed to ensure proper installation of the required steel and concrete for the finished walkway and warranty the design.