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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston Harbor Channel Extension

In the Galveston Harbor project, our Dredge King Fisher deepened the channel to -50 feet, raised levees in Pelican Island DMPA (Phase #1), and improved San Jacinto DMPA levees (Phase #2). Post-Hurricane Ike, this redesign restored pre-hurricane conditions. The project involved demolition and installation of pier structures, shoreline protection, and strategic rock placement at historical failure points. Our team aboard the Dredge King Fisher's expertise shaped a resilient infrastructure for Galveston.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Deepened Galveston Harbor to -50 feet
  • Raised Pelican Island DMPA levees (Phase #1)
  • Raised San Jacinto DMPA levees (Phase #2)
  • Hydraulically dredged 3 million cubic yards from Galveston Channel
  • Placed dredge material between exterior levees and newly constructed interior levee
  • Post-Hurricane Ike, negotiated change order for levee redesign
  • Realigned levees to pre-hurricane conditions
  • Re-engineered levee-raising methodology
  • Demolished and installed pier and drop outlet structures
  • Implemented shoreline protection and installed rock for levee and spillway safeguarding

Hydraulic Dredging and Material Placement Strategy

Orion played a crucial role in this dredging and channel deepening project, deepening Galveston Harbor to -50 feet and raising levees in Pelican Island DMPA (Phase #1) and San Jacinto DMPA (Phase #2). Hydraulically dredging around 3 million cubic yards from the Galveston Channel, Orion strategically placed dredge material between exterior levees and a newly constructed interior levee for levee elevation. The project, initially awarded before Hurricane Ike, faced setbacks. Post-hurricane, a change order allowed for redesign, realignment, and reconstruction of the original levees to pre-hurricane conditions. Orion re-engineered levee-raising methodology to meet the desired elevation.

The comprehensive scope included the demolition and installation of existing pier and drop outlet structures in Pelican Island and San Jacinto DMPA. Shoreline protection measures and rock installation were implemented to safeguard the historical failure side of the levee and provide spillway protection. Our team’s adaptability and strategic planning were evident in overcoming post-hurricane challenges. The successful completion this multifaceted project contributes to the resilience and functionality of Galveston Harbor and the surrounding areas.

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