City to Close Portion of Boardwalk Walking Path Over Safety Concerns, Dec. 11

The City of Coos Bay is closing a portion of the waterfront walkway south of the City docks effective December 18, 2017 until necessary repairs are made to the levee that supports the path. The levee was constructed over 40 years ago to protect the railroad tracks in downtown Coos Bay. The City now owns a portion of the levee near the City docks, and it has an easement on the top of the rest of the levee to maintain the walking path. The rest of the levee is owned by the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. The City notified the Port of Coos Bay three years ago when erosion began undermining the walkway in several sections. Since then, bollards have been placed on the path to guide walkers away from the path’s edge. Continuing erosion has prompted the closure of a large section on the south end of the path until further notice. The section closed is 800 feet south of the City docks south of Elrod Avenue to Hall Avenue. The Port and the City have partnered to hire an engineering firm to design a repair to the most severely eroded portions of the levee.  The City is waiting on the Port regarding next steps to make the necessary repairs. The public is advised to obey posted warning signs and not go beyond the barricades until repairs are completed.  For more information contact Jim Hossley at the City of Coos Bay, (541) 269-8918.