The first in a series of projects to repair damage caused by last year’s winter storms is well underway in Nahant.
In March 2018, a nor’easter left the town in a state of emergency for several days. Even after the storm ended, much of the town was left underwater. Roads remained impassible and the ballfields underwater days later. With the causeway impassable, the National Guard stationed a military transportation vehicle in town in case an evacuation was required.
Town properties endured an estimated $1.6 million in storm damage, said Town Administrator Tony Barletta.
The first project, repairs to a seawall on Willow Road, will cost about $300,000, he said.
“The wall is constructed of granite blocks and a lot of the granite blocks were dislodged from the wave action,” said Barletta. “They are putting those back in place and firming up the wall itself.”
With the wall, repairs are being made to damaged railings and the sidewalk.
“The important thing about that is the work is limited to putting it back to what it was before the storm,” he said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse 75 percent of the overall cost of $1.6 million, leaving the town with a $400,000 tab, said Barletta.
The work began in November and is expected to be completed by spring.
