Pardon our dust — seawall work Sunday night

Martha Graham, P.E., Director of Public Works for the City of St Augustine, reported to Historic City News that the seawall contractor has determined that part of the mitigation portion of the rehabilitation project must be performed during high tide tomorrow night; Sunday, May 6.

The work involves placing sediments over the recently relocated marsh grass beds and is estimated to require about two hours, from approximately 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Graham said that silt fences and environmental controls would be installed to mitigate potential erosion or sedimentation during the project. Work begins on the north side of the Santa Maria Restaurant, and then continues south.

The Seawall Rehabilitation Project will take approximately one year to complete, according to Graham’s estimates. “The Public Works Department appreciates the community’s patience during this project and apologizes for any inconvenience,” Graham said.

During that time, there will be a temporary access for the Santa Maria Restaurant, construction panels will be installed via a barge, and parking meters will be removed along the eastbound lane of Avenida Menendez — with the westbound lane parking being limited to 18 residential permit holders.

“The next six months will be the installation of the panels, and then transition into the promenade, lighting, baffle boxes and roadway restoration,” Graham told reporters. “During construction, City Archaeologist Carl Halbirt, and Historic Masonry Conservator, Hershel Shepard, will be on-site for inspections.”