Cape Lookout Historic Structure Protection Project (2006)

The Cape Lookout Project is aimed at restoring the sandy estuarine shoreline located immediately west of the Lighthouse and boat ramp/landing area that most of the ferry services utilize throughout out the year. The shoreline in the area of the project has been compromised cumulatively over time and by event-driven erosion, including Hurricane Isabel in 2003 that demolished the coal burning house located nearest to the estuarine shoreline. The high water line was approximately 75 feet or less (visual estimate) from the base of the Old Light Keeper's Station with the Lighthouse located just behind, or east, of the Light Keeper's Station.

The project includes the placement of sand along 2,600 linear feet that have been subdivided into two fundamental zones (see graphic below). The northern fill area is approximately 1,000 linear feet long with an estimated fill width of 50 foot contoured at a grade of +3.5 feet relative to sea level, which is the existing beach elevation. The southern fill area is approximately 1,600 linear feet long with an estimated fill width of 100 foot also contoured at the +3.5 foot elevation. There is also a berm (or quasi-dune feature) for the southern fill area extending 1,250 linear foot, at a +7.5 foot elevation, with a top width of 15 foot. The break between the northern and southern fill areas is the pier that is commonly used for the ferry services and National Park sea-craft. The Project should be completed by the end of March 2006.

The bids for the Cape Lookout project were opened in mid January 2006 and the winning bid was provided by Southwind Construction at $925,498 for 75,700 cubic yards of sand, or the equivalent of over 5,000 dump truck loads. In this instance, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actually serving as a subcontractor to the National Park Service to complete NEPA documentation, prepare construction plans and specifications, and to provide construction administration/oversight.

Note: The contents of this webpage is for informational purposes and does not constitute any official view or endorsement from the National Park Service or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers