The Town of Sandwich was looking to advance the design of a replacement structure to rebuild its iconic 1,500-foot-long Sandwich Boardwalk while maintaining its historic look and character. GEI was an integral partner to the Town in developing a safe, resilient, ADA-compliant boardwalk.

The timber boardwalk was first built in 1875 and most recently reconstructed in 1992. After many years of weathering and coastal storm impacts, the deteriorated structure required replacement to improve safety, ensure ADA compliance, and provide increased resiliency against future coastal storms.

GEI developed a range of alternatives, including potential raising of the boardwalk elevations. GEI was involved in all aspects of the project’s development, from initial survey and inspection through regulatory approvals, design, and construction oversight.

A key aspect of this project was the consideration of raising this historic structure to reduce the impacts of future storms and sea level rise. GEI assisted with the public outreach and engagement required to present conceptual modifications and obtain consensus. GEI worked with the Town to advance the recommended conceptual design through preliminary design, regulatory approvals, final design, construction documents, and bid phase services. Regulatory coordination proved especially complex given the boardwalk’s sensitive location across Mill Creek and the salt marsh habitat.

Construction began in summer 2023 and was completed in May 2024, in time for Memorial Day Weekend. GEI provided construction administration services throughout.

Additional details can be found at https://www.sandwichmass.org/1531/Boardwalk-Project.