Living Breakwaters

New York, New York

In response to Superstorm Sandy, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiated the Living Breakwaters project on Staten Island’s southern shoreline. This innovative coastal green infrastructure, primarily comprising 2,400 linear feet of near-shore breakwaters, aims to combat erosion and storm waves.

Kiewit subsidiary Weeks Marine, Inc., used its W537 Equilibrium crane, floating amphibious excavators and barges to construct the armored coastal infrastructure, incorporating rubble mound structures with a stone core, marine mattress and outer layers of armor stones and ecologically enhanced concrete units. Once completed, the Billion Oyster Project will introduce live oysters, fostering a diverse marine habitat within the “reef ridges” and “reef streets.”

This multifaceted approach not only addresses environmental challenges but also enhances ecosystem health in Raritan Bay while promoting stewardship and enriching community experiences along Staten Island’s shoreline.