GRAND HAVEN — Construction work on the Grand Haven Pier began this week, aimed at enhancing safety and protecting boaters using the channel that empties into Lake Michigan. 

The construction work conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, began Monday, May 19, and is slated for completion in mid-July, according to a press release. 

The project will replace worn-out wooden fenders on both the east and west piers of the Grand Haven Government Basin. The fenders act as large wooden bumpers that keep boats from getting damaged when they come into contact with the sturdy concrete and steel structures of the docks.

"Replacing timber fenders is an important part of our operations and maintenance work on the Great Lakes to ensure safe navigational structures," said Meghan Jacobs, Detroit district project manager overseeing the work.

"We're looking forward to continuing to improve the government basin as a federal asset in Grand Haven for decades to come."

During the construction period, the east and west government basin piers, which flank the channel, will be closed to the public. Additionally, the lower sidewalk connects the U.S. Corps of Engineers-Grand Haven Area Office, 307 S Harbor Drive, and the Coast Guard Station will be closed. 

The public will be rerouted to the sidewalk along South Harbor Drive when traveling between the city and the Lake Michigan waterfront.

The Corps plans to use their specialized floating platforms to help with the installation, carefully welding the new fenders into position. 

For safety, the public is urged to adhere to all signage and instructions from staff using directional flags during active work times. Construction is expected to take place between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Grand Haven Government Basin is leased by the U.S. Coast Guard Station Grand Haven from the Corps of Engineers, which refers to a specific dock or harbor area that is owned and maintained by a government entity, in this case, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

It currently serves as a mooring for the U.S. Coast Guard and Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is responsible for maintaining a navigation system that includes 81 harbors and channels connecting all the Great Lakes. For more information, visit their website here. 

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.