Repairs to Newport Cliff Walk 

Newport, Rhode Island

KEY DESIGN ELEMENT:

Shore Protection & Landscaping

Project Description:

The Cliff Walk extends 3.5 miles along the southeastern shoreline of Newport, bordered by the prominent historic Newport Mansions to its west and the Atlantic shoreline to its east.  The Cliff Walk has a well documented history of damage and continued threat from storms and wave action.  The problem of continued erosion had resulted in retreat of the cliffs and bluffs and the destruction of the existing protection.

Commonwealth Engineers & Consultants, Inc. was retained to evaluate and design coastal shore protection and restoration measures, repairs to existing walls and walkways, drainage improvements, as well as landscape enhancements for this nationally significant trail.  The project included extensive coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, City of Newport, local historic preservation societies and adjacent property owners.

The project was prioritized into two construction contracts.  Contract 1 was completed in 1994, while Contract 2 awaits funding.

Walkway & landscaping enhancements  (scenic overlook at the "Breakers")