NEWBURYPORT – When you walk along the boardwalk at the new Market Landing Park on the Merrimack River waterfront, be careful not to trip on loose boards or protruding nails.
Over the past quarter century, many of the decking boards on the walkway have weathered and deteriorated, turning parts of the boardwalk into a hazard for the hundreds of pedestrians who enjoy a stroll along the river.
Now help is on the way. The city will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to discuss options for rehabilitating the boardwalk at the central waterfront. The meeting will take place in the City Hall auditorium, and the public is invited.
A contractor recently installed about 200 new screws to fasten loose boards and added temporary patches in some places. These repairs are short-term, and officials say a full rehabilitation is needed.
With support from a Community Preservation Act grant, the city has been working with marine engineering consultant GEI, Inc. on a feasibility study for the project. The consultant has found that some decking can be salvaged, but about 60 percent needs to be replaced.
GEI will present its analysis at the meeting, including options for materials such as tropical hardwood, composite plastic lumber and pressure-treated pine. The criteria include cost, durability, appearance, track record, availability and ecological impact.
“Every material has different strengths and weaknesses, and there is not a clearly defined answer to what material should be used for the next generation of the boardwalk,” said Senior Project Manager Geordie Vining. “We are very interested to engage with people on the subject and hear some of the public’s thoughts about what they would like to see for the next couple of decades.”
The feasibility study is expected to be complete by the end of the year. ♦
