Milwaukee Harbor

Published Jan. 9, 2024

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Chicago Historic Photo

Milwaukee, Wisconsin --

Project Description and Background

Commercial harbor with project depths of 30 feet in the approach, 28 feet in the entrance channel, 27 feet in a major portion of the south basin, and 21 feet in the north basin. Over 21,000 feet of structures including breakwaters, piers, and revetments.

Breakwater repairs are required; deterioration of the timber and loss of fill stone created holes in the structure allowing waves and sediment to flow through the structure into the navigation channel.

30,000-40,000 CY are dredged on a 3-to-4-year basis


Current Status

Design for the repair of the breakwater at various sections of the structure is underway.  A construction contract is scheduled for award by January 2024.

Plans and specifications are under development to dredge 30,000-40,000 cubic yards at the entrance channel to an authorized depth of 28 feet.  Contract award is scheduled for May 2024.

Regular O&M repairs are made annually by the floating plant.


Project Authorization

Rivers & Harbors Acts of 1852, 1883, 1907, 1922, 1935, 1945, 1960.