Shipyard Dune Crossover Replacement Project
JOE STRIVIERI, ARB CHAIRMAN

Over the past 30 some odd years, Mother Nature has provided hurricanes, high winds, and high surf which all have taken a toll on our Shipyard boardwalk leading to the beach. The shifting sands and beach replenishment operations all have inundated the boardwalk surface and it has disappeared in some areas. It has become time to replace it with a higher crossover structure to accommodate the dune creation and make it functional once again. The Shipyard POA with Board approval has undertaken the Dune Crossover Replacement Project to allow beach access for years to come. In the summer of 2020 we hired Wood + Partners Inc. (landscape architects and land planners) to design the new dunes crossover. This firm is very experienced in this type of work and has worked with Shipyard in the past. They assembled plans and specifications working closely with the Town of Hilton Head and Ocean & Coastal Resource Management for regulation compliance and obtained a permit for the work. These documents were bid in late summer. Many alternates were explored to get the best products to use for longevity and aesthetics. All this was incorporated into the final award of a contract to Barrier Island Marine Contractors, LLC on Nov. 6th, 2020. The contractor was therefore immediately able to place an order to procure the necessary materials to begin work by the first of the year. The best time to schedule this work was between January and March, considered the slow beach season. Parking lot access and walkways to the beach house and the beach were modified during the construction period. Coordination was done with the Sonesta to allow Shipyard residents and guests to use the Sonesta crossover to the beach and their restroom facilities. It is anticipated a 10 to 12 week time frame to complete the work. Work was begun on Jan 4, 2021 and is expected to be completed by March 15, 2021. The scope of the work includes demolition and removal of the existing dune crossover structure, surveying of the existing conditions, removal of accumulated sand especially under the shower areas, rebuilding of the crossover at a higher elevation to accommodate the current dune heights, new modern shower facilities, new walkway lighting, new landscaping, and upgrading the existing restrooms. Unfortunately we were unable to get approval to widen the walkway so it must remain at 6’-0” wide. The new walkway will extend further out onto the beach beyond the current sand fence and taper into the sand to provide an easy transition. The support posts are all marine grade pressure treated timber and the decking is Ipe, which is one of the hardest woods in the world and provides incredible durability and longevity. Many deck products were considered but Ipe was chosen because of its track record, non slip surface, resilience to water and staining, resistance to rot and insects, and low maintenance. It will be installed with concealed fasteners which will provide an overall neat uniform appearance All wood railings will be stained. The boardwalk will
be ADA compliant. Currently the project is on schedule for a mid March completion. We are emphasizing quality control between ourselves and our engineer. The completion of this crossover will greatly enhance the Shipyard beach experience.