River Village boardwalk replacement construction to begin this spring

The Morganton City Council approved a nearly $3 million construction contract Monday to replace the boardwalk at River Village, a long-awaited project that reconnects key sections of the Catawba River Greenway and supports nearby businesses.

The council awarded a contract to Wilkie Construction Company Southeast, LLC, out of Lenoir for $2.93 million, including a 5% contingency. City staff will use $1 million of Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program funding to cover a third of the project, and City Manager Sally Sandy said staff are seeking FEMA funding for the other $2 million as the previous boardwalk was destroyed in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“Anyone that’s been familiar with our greenway system knows how important this project is. It is a joining link between two greenway sections that connect park systems on both sides,” said Rob Winkler, assistant city manager. “It’s also very important to the revitalization and build back of the businesses along this corridor.”

The project includes new concrete foundations supported by helical piles, reinforced retaining walls, and a plastic lumber boardwalk with steel-and-wire railings. City staff said the materials were chosen for durability and flood resistance.

“The build back of this is designed to utilize plastics, metals, and supportive inventory materials that will be less likely to be damaged in a flood, fungus, bacteria, things that grow on wood,” Winkler said. “Hopefully we’ll eliminate those in this project.”

Councilwoman Molly McKay expressed concern about the plastic lumber deck surfacing and its potential slippery surface leading to fall risks. However, Winkler said that the plastic decking has grooves and texturing that imitates real wood.

“It’s designed to be as least slippery as possible, so we feel pretty good about it. Overall, standing water in some areas until it dissipates, can always be an issue, but for the most part, we feel this product is if not better than wood, better made,” Winkler said.

Project manager and estimator for Wilkie, Brandon Harrison, highlighted the top-notch plastic lumber that will be utilized in the boardwalk replacement.

“The plastic lumber is an incredible product. I’ve watched some videos on how it’s made. It’s made with recycled material. It’s low impact where it’s made. It’s little to zero impact here … Theoretically, it’s perfect for what you do,” Harrison said.

Amenities with the new boardwalk include benches and chairs along the deck, bike racks, bollards, bollard gates, fencing, and extensive landscaping, according to Winkler. There are also erosion control measures and safety precautions included in plans.

When it comes to starting the project, Harrison said “Wilkie is ready to go.”

The company will have a pre-construction meeting this month with city staff and begin this spring. The exact timing will depend on mobilizing the helical-pile contractor and the lead time for the plastic lumber, according to Harrison.