CLEVELAND -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District will continue repairs to the Cleveland West Pier this week.
Visitors to Wendy Park and boaters on the Cuyahoga River are reminded to observe all safety signs and instructions as USACE and Cleveland Metroparks complete improvements to this popular recreation spot and critical piece of federal infrastructure.
“The West Pier is a critical component of the Great Lakes Navigation System, supporting economic growth and strategic value to the nation, as well as great waterfront recreation” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, USACE Buffalo District commander. “We look forward to delivering this project on time, within budget, and – most of all – safely, ensuring Cleveland’s waterfront continues serving the local community and the country.”
“I’m grateful for the work of the Army Corps of Engineers on the Cleveland West Pier. This is important work supporting economic and recreational activities on the Cuyahoga River and another reminder of the importance of supporting federal infrastructure investment in Northeast Ohio,” said Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11).
“This important partnership with the U.S. Army corps of Engineers will restore vital infrastructure and enhance our lakefront,” said Brian M. Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks chief executive officer.
Repairs include encasing 1,320 feet of the 1,430-foot pier with a new concrete overlay, held in place with steel sheet pile.
The pier ensures safe navigation for vessels traveling from the Lake Erie up the Cuyahoga River, provides access to the historic U.S. Coast Guard Station and serves as a popular fishing spot for residents and visitors to Wendy Park.
Construction began in 2024 under a $6.9 million contract awarded to Michigan-based Great Lakes Dock & Materials LLC, starting at the lakeward end of the pier and working inward towards the harbor.
Construction by USACE is scheduled to be complete by August 2025. The work will be immediately followed by additional improvements by Cleveland Metroparks, including new fencing, expected to be completed by 2026.
USACE’s project is 100% federally funded.
Work will be conducted by marine barges along the pier and will utilize portions of the federal navigation channel in the Cuyahoga River. Commercial and recreational marine traffic will not be obstructed, but vessels should exercise caution when navigating near the pier. A “notice to mariners” has been issued through the USCG for the start of construction.
The pier and a small portion of the east end of Wendy Park will be closed to foot traffic during construction and utilized as a staging area for equipment and materials. Fencing and safety signage are installed to ensure public safety.
The Buffalo District previously repaired 110 feet of the outermost reach of the pier in 1999. This portion will not require additional repairs during the current project.
The Cleveland West Pier was constructed between 1899 and 1901 to delineate the mouth of the Cuyahoga River and is composed of timber cribs filled with stone and capped with concrete.
The pier is a component of Cleveland Harbor, a deep draft commercial harbor which handled 12.4 million tons of cargo, including iron ore (58%), limestone (19%) and salt (9%) in 2021. Waterborne transportation facilitated by the harbor supports $529.6 million in business revenue, 2,244 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $163.8 million in labor income to the transportation sector.
Photos and video of the Cleveland West Pier are available at:
The Buffalo District delivers world class engineering solutions to the Great Lakes Region, the Army and the Nation in order to ensure national security, environmental sustainability, water resource management, and emergency assistance during peace and war.