Reconstruction of the Dunedin Marina is moving forward but running behind schedule due to crumbling infrastructure and natural obstacles, city officials reported to commissioners on November 20.

City Engineer Clayton Watkins and Harbormaster Laurie Ferguson provided updates on the bulkhead, fishing pier, and floating dock replacements, citing permitting and material delays as major factors.

Construction on the north seawall began October 13, two months later than planned. The east wall is now scheduled for completion in April, with the fishing pier targeted for fall 2026.

It’s not just hurricane damage crews are dealing with. Old infrastructure has also proven quite problematic. Driving piles for the new seawall caused breaks in aging water and fire mains made of ductile iron pipe. City crews replaced a critical six-inch fire line with PVC to prevent further delays.

Workers must also navigate around conduits behind the wall and have encountered a significant rock layer that has slowed progress. The contractor is proceeding in segments, carefully removing sections of the old wall while installing the new structure.

Despite construction challenges, marina operations have resumed. The peninsula reopened to the public in May, slip renters returned in July after new shore power pedestals were installed, and the Clearwater Ferry began service in October.

Work on the marina’s master plan was delayed a year due to hurricanes, but is expected to advance with a workshop in February. Design and permitting for replacing docks A and B could take 12 to 24 months, depending on whether the docks remain in their current location.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com