Seawall project progresses at Anglers Marina in Lewes

A temporary wall of vinyl pilings is the most visible part of a dock project at Anglers Marina, next to Irish Eyes in Lewes.

“I’m replacing the old, wooden bulkhead that was built 60 years ago,” said Anglers owner J.B. Walsh. “It’s made [with creosoted wood], which DNREC doesn’t use anymore.”

“These are 30-foot vinyl tubes that are hammered into the ground. It’s basically a concrete wall with a cover of vinyl,” said Ryan Alexander, owner of the Alchemist Group, the company that is installing the new bulkhead. 

He said it is expected to last 50 years.

Walsh said DNREC requires all the piles be driven down by March 1, because the work could disturb migrating fish in the canal.

After that, Walsh said, he can finish electrical and other work.

He said the entire project is costing about $5 million, which includes work he did on the docks last year.

Walsh said the finished project will include 20 boat slips, four fewer than were there before, a floating dock in front of the bulkhead and a new concrete path along the edge of the dock.

He said the work is expected to be completed by the end of April.