KENNEBUNK – The sea wall project at Gooch’s Beach is on schedule and poised to be finished about May 17.
The “face” of the sea wall has been installed, and contractors are moving on to the next phase, described by Town Engineer Chris Osterrieder, as a tie back and a cap.
“All in all, things are coming together,” Osterrieder told the select board at the April 13 meeting.
The “face” of the sea wall at Gooch’s Beach has been installed, and contractors are moving on to the next phase, described by Kennebunk Town Engineer Chris Osterrieder as a tie back and a cap. The project is on schedule and poised to be finished about May 17. Dan King photo
Wyman & Simpson, a Maine company based in Richmond, is doing the work. The company was the second lowest bidder, and was asked to step in when the low bidder, a Massachusetts company, sought to withdraw its bid in December, citing pandemic concerns and ongoing travel restrictions.
The sea wall was damaged by a pair of storms in 2018.
The $1.4 million project, up from $1.3 million due to increases in the price of materials, is split three ways. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is picking up 75 percent of the tab, the state emergency management agency contributing 15 percent, and the town, 10 percent, or $140,000, about $7,500 of which was paid by the Massachusetts company that bowed out. The $7,500 represents the town’s share of the difference in the original bid and the updated, higher costs.
The project involves replacement of 620 feet of timber sea wall with a steel sheet-pile wall, 650 linear feet of sidewalk and 2,800 square yards of asphalt roadway and associated work.
Construction of the new sea wall at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk is expected to be finished in mid-May. Dan King photo
Osterrieder said there would be some minor modifications to the road to improve drainage.
“There have been no unforeseen issues with construction or the budget,” said Osterrieder. “We’re in really good shape. The timing is perfect and we’ve had great weather and a great team.”
Select board member Wayne Berry reminded all that the area remains a construction zone, and the sidewalks are still closed. Beach Avenue remains closed from Bayberry Avenue to Peninsula Drive.
Board member William Ward said he’d heard from property owners who told him that people have “taken the liberty of marching through their yards and leaving debris in their yards.”
“Trespassing is not permitted folks,” said Ward.
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