The City of Port Clinton, The Walleye Capital of the World, further developed its coastline with a new 12-foot-wide shared-use path along the east shore of the Portage River where it flows into Lake Erie. DGL Consulting Engineers LLC. (DGL) was contracted by the City of Port Clinton to provide construction inspection services during the installation of the multi-use path as well as replacement of the existing seawall structure.

The new shared-use path stretches from the jetty at Waterworks Park South to the Municipal Pier, running alongside approximately 940 feet of new Portage River seawall. To allow for use during periods of high-water levels, the path proudly sits approximately 4 feet above the existing parking lot and approximately 5 feet above the ordinary high water (OHW) mark per the City’s request. Further reducing the impact of periods of high-water, the project is also equipped with a drainage mechanism that allows for water to outlet in the event of flooding from the adjacent lake.

Notably, the path is accessible by a set of concrete steps as well as three ADA-compliant ramps. The lighting along the path allows for foot traffic by residents and tourists in the mornings and evenings. The project connects with an existing path at Waterworks Park thereby extending the scenic walking route into downtown Port Clinton.

DGL was selected for a construction inspection role in the project in part due to the project engineer’s structural/construction experience with sheet piling. We approached the project with a clear plan for maintaining open communication between all parties involved. We are proud of the outcome and excited for the benefit this project will provide the City’s residents and tourists alike. Being able to assist in expanding the walkability of downtown Port Clinton has been a particularly rewarding component of the project for DGL.