Weekly comments from Dale Martin

Dale Martin City Manager
Fernandina Beach
March 29, 2019 12:00 p.m.

As has been widely reported, several dune walkovers that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean beaches have been temporarily closed. The closures followed a review of all walkovers by a structural engineer. The formal review of the twenty-seven structures resulted from City Commissioner comments late last year regarding the integrity of several walkovers.

The inspections were conducted utilizing current building codes with additional reference to timber and steel construction literature. Visual inspection of all components of the walkovers was completed.

Most of the walkovers were constructed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. While spot inspections and maintenance regularly occur, to the best of my knowledge, the recent study has been the only comprehensive review of the structures. A key finding of the study was that of the twenty-seven walkovers, all but five are at the end of the life expectancy of the original wood that was used for construction.

Previous efforts to replace walkovers have been constrained due to funding. Most recently, last year the City prepared plans and solicited proposals for the reconstruction of the walkovers located at Beach Accesses #35S and #40. The budgeted amount for the reconstruction of both was $200,000; the only proposal received from an area contractor was approximately $200,000 for each walkover. The decision was made to forego the project at that time because of the significantly higher than expected cost (funds for the reconstruction are drawn from City property taxes).

The scope of the recent study was initially limited to the identification of walkovers which posed the most threat to public safety. The walkovers were subsequently rated on a scale of ‘1’ (very good to excellent condition) to ‘5’ (very poor condition with significant structural deficiencies; should be closed to the public). Following the release of the report, for public safety and municipal liability, the twelve walkovers rated as either ‘4’ (structural deficiencies present; should be closed to the public) or ‘5’ have been temporarily closed. Three walkovers were rated as ‘5’: #35S, #38, and #40. According to the report, these walkovers have too many deficiencies to warrant repair and should be replaced.

Since the City has again solicited proposals for the reconstruction of #35S and #40 (which, if and when awarded, would require dismantling), I made the decision to dismantle those two walkovers first. Once those walkovers have been dismantled, access to the beach at those sites will again be available, but along a “walkthrough” (delineated by pilings and rope) rather than a walkover. Conversations with a State Department of Environmental Protection official indicated that such paths were acceptable and exempt from permitting since no new structure was being constructed.

The demolition of the walkover at Beach Access #40 was completed yesterday by City crews. Access to the beach at Beach Access #40 should be restored today. Similar work will begin next week at Beach Access #35S and be completed within a week.

Following the removal of those two walkovers, additional consultation with the reviewing engineer will occur. City staff will examine the walkovers rated as ‘4’ and determine what are the minimally necessary repairs to correct the structural deficiencies which warranted the temporary closure. The repairs which can be most easily completed will be addressed first in order to re-open as many walkovers as soon as possible. Efforts will then turn to the dismantling of the walkover located at Beach Access #38 (the final ‘5’ rated walkover).

I expect that two northern walkovers (#4N and #6N) may be completely removed with the likelihood of no planned replacement. From well-worn paths at those locations, it appears that these somewhat short and steep walkovers are frequently ignored by beachgoers preferring to walk around the walkovers.

I anticipate that all temporarily closed walkovers will be re-opened no later than May 24, the start of Memorial Day weekend.

As budget preparation for next year begins shortly, additional replacements will likely be proposed in the budget. With an appropriation of approximately $300,000, it may be possible to replace all of the most deficient walkovers over the course of the next two or three years (and curtail further deterioration of those structures rated as ‘3’ or higher).

Thank you for your patience.