Port of Siuslaw Manager, Robert Forsythe, has announced the Wharf Improvement Project will begin on November 1, 2012. The project is scheduled for completion in February 2013. This project involves demolition and reconstruction of portions of the Old Town Wharf to improve its safety and stability; the 22,000 square foot wood wharf was built in 1966 and is in dire need of repairs. The project is being funded by an Oregon Dept of Transportation ConnectOregon III grant and a loan taken out by the Port.
Legacy Contracting, Inc., of Stayton, has been awarded the job. They anticipate materials for the project will begin arriving the last week of October. Materials and equipment will be staged in the Nopal Street and Mo’s parking lots. The contractor has noted there will be lots of material on hand for this project; over 200 tons total (about 15 truck loads), including steel beams up to 67′ long, and equipment that includes a barge and crane. Brief, single-lane closures of Bay Street may occur as equipment or materials are moved to and from the project site. Pedestrian access to the wharf and transient vessel dock surrounding the wharf will be redirected as needed during the project to ensure public safety.
Legacy expects to begin in November with the pile driving portion of the job. Old Town businesses have already received hand-delivered notices about the upcoming project. The Port’s tenants on the wharf, ICM Restaurant and Mo’s Restaurant, are expected to remain open for business during the entire project. “Our contractor has assured us that both restaurants should be able to operate normal business hours throughout the project,” Forsythe said.
Regular project announcements will be posted on the Port’s website, www.portofsiuslaw.com, and Facebook pages. Any questions should be directed to the Port office at 541-997-3426 or email port@portofsiuslaw.com.