EDMONDS — Within four years, a northern portion of Edmonds’ portwalk could be unsafe for the public, according to an engineer’s report to the Port of Edmonds.
A deteriorating seawall is the only thing standing between Puget Sound and an estimated $55 million in port property — and much of the city’s waterfront.
The estimated price tag for a fix? $25 million.
The Port of Edmonds’ operating budget was $9.2 million in 2023. The port applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The proximity of the portwalk to the ferry terminal and a rail line may increase the chance of receiving the funds.
Seawalls are concrete or stone structures built parallel to the shore as a buffer for waves, flooding and erosion. The portwalk is what the locals call the boardwalk portion of the marina, the popular walking area stretching from the fishing pier to Marina Beach Park.
A 2020 study found the portwalk was rusting and rotting, prompting port staff to look into an update. The port began gathering public input for the new design in 2019 and started state permit applications in 2021.
“The Port is seeking federal funding to avert the devastating impacts on businesses, economic activity, and the environment that the failure of the seawall would case,” a letter from the city to the U.S. Department of Transportation read.
Here’s what to know about the re-imagined portwalk, what’s at stake, and when it’s expected to be done.
A glimpse into the new portwalk
The port hopes to complete the project by 2027. The new construction would repair a 950-foot stretch of the north seawall and build 13,000 square feet of new portwalk surface.
The current wooden plank portwalk would be replaced with a cement and glass-block walking surface. The glass is durable and safe to walk on in all weather conditions, and will allow light to pass through to help plant and sea life below, Port of Edmonds Deputy Executive Director Brandon Baker said at an Edmonds City Council meeting Jan. 2.
The Port of Edmonds wants to build a new plaza near its administration building. The Central Plaza would host a viewing area and public restrooms.
Other new elements would include:
• Updated railing;
• Improved lighting;
• New dock safety gates;
• Artwork;
• And updated landscaping.
A ticking time bomb
Completed in 1969, engineering experts warned the northern stretch of the portwalk is in its final days.
“The proposed replacement of the structure is a requirement due to the approximate 5-year remaining lifespan before making (the portwalk) unsafe for public access,” a report from CG Engineering advised the Port of Edmonds in May 2023.
The following are among the many public and private facilities relying on the seawall for protection from tsunamis, flooding, storms and rising sea levels:
• Edmonds Ferry Terminal;
• The railroad used by Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Amtrak and Sound Transit;
• Highway 104;
• Edmonds Marina;
• Many homes and local businesses.
Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the title for Brandon Baker.
Ashley Nash: 425-339-3037; ashley.nash@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @ash_nash00.
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