PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – It has been more than eight years since city officials deemed part of the Portsmouth seawall unsafe because of structural deficiencies. The city decided to replace the seawall in sections and the final section recently opened.
Construction crews broke ground on “Area 6” of the Portsmouth Seawall Replacement Project in July 2022. The city confirmed that section, which is adjacent to the Holiday Inn/Harbor Towers, was closed for construction in 2020. Referred to as the promenade, it includes more than 600 linear feet of seawall. It reopened to the public in February 2024.
Visitors who enjoy a walk or jog along the waterfront will notice a new bulkhead wall, a new concrete boardwalk and handrails that match the previously completed sections.
Crofton completed the work. “We are grateful to take part in the revitalization of a Portsmouth landmark and thank the crews and vendors for their commitment to its success.”
The city closed down a large part of the seawall in November 2015 after an underwater inspection revealed it was unsafe. The areas requiring immediate attention were completed first.
Phases 1 and 2, between High Street Landing and the Renaissance Hotel, reopened in November 2017 and the work has continued along the seawall in subsequent phases.
In total, approximately 4,000 linear feet of Portsmouth Seawall was replaced.
The city said there are some punch list items remaining before they can consider the project closed. The cost-to-date is $9.2 million, according to a city official.
According to Portsmouth archives, work on the original seawall began in 1969.
WAVY has covered this project for many years. Here are some links to our past reports:
2015: Andy Fox reports on Portsmouth seawall concerns
2015: Erin Kelly on seawall safety concerns in Portsmouth
2017: $20 million seawall project progressing; far from finished
2017: Portsmouth seawall to open Friday after 4-month delay
2019: 3rd phase of Portsmouth seawall project nears completion
2019: Drone 10 video of revamped Portsmouth seawall
