The National Park Service (NPS) Colonial National Historical Park (COLO) has finished construction for an $11.2 million shoreline stabilization effort funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Led by Coastal Design & Construction, Inc. and VHB, the work repaired and stabilized approximately three miles of York River shoreline that experienced severe erosion. This loss was threatening significant archeological sites and natural resources in the park and the stability of sections along the scenic Colonial Parkway. Project stakeholders and partners gathered together on October 23 to celebrate the project’s completion with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Colonial Parkway stretches 23 miles from the York River at Yorktown, VA, to the James River at Jamestown, VA, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It links Virginia's historic triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown and is used by millions of travelers annually to access and enjoy the area’s natural and cultural amenities. The NPS estimates that this project will reduce deferred maintenance and repairs for the park’s facilities by $8.2 million, create more than 140 jobs, and generate $31.4 million for the national economy.
“Parts of the shoreline had eroded substantially, threatening the safety of visitors and resources,” said Neville Reynolds, PWS, Coastal Engineering and Resilience Growth Leader. “This rehabilitation project will protect shoreline slopes from stormwater runoff above and undercutting from the river below, improving storm resiliency and reinforcing safe recreational access.”
An integrated team of VHB coastal engineers and scientists, skilled in resiliency planning, shoreline protection, cultural resources, wetland delineation, and habitat assessments, developed a shoreline stabilization design. This dynamic design incorporated multiple stabilization strategies, including revetment rebuilds, several thousand feet of nature based living shoreline design, pocket beaches, and marsh fringes to protect and enhance eroding natural habitats. These changes have enhanced the shoreline—establishing stability, helping to protect it from further erosion and retreat, and allowing continued enjoyment of Colonial Parkway.
VHB has helped the NPS and COLO enhance and preserve park amenities for more than two decades through landscape architecture, civil and coastal engineering, and environmental permitting. Funding for the project is from GAOA’s National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund. GAOA is part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to the NPS to make significant enhancements in national parks to preserve these facilities and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.
Connect with Neville Reynolds to learn more about VHB’s experience helping communities remain resilient and future focused.
