CASE HISTORY

- Environmental Walkway: Hellcat Trail ~ Plum Island, Mass.  (2020 progress update) -

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The Project
Construction of high use environmental walkway at federal reserve.

​The Situation
This pristine wildlife preserve is found on Plum Island, just off the coast of Boston's north shore in Newburyport .  Called Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the Hellcat trail system is 5,334 linear feet of elevated boardwalk meandering through dunes, shrub thickets, vernal pools, maritime forest and brackish marsh habitats.   The original trail was part of a Youth Conservation Corps project in the  early '70s.  With 150,000 visitors a year, the trail was in need of replacement.  Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act made it necessary to make the trail accessible to people with mobility concerns.  
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The Solution
SUMCO ECO CONTRACTING of Peabody, Ma was tapped to  build the state-of-the-art boardwalk system.  The new boardwalk is a 50% expansion, measuring 6ft wide.  All staircases have been removed.  The trail has been expanded to add and additional 2500+ft of boardwalk including a 660ft expansion into the coast-side wetlands.  

​CHANCE Helical piles were the perfect solution for this Green build initiative.  Using an extremely small "footprint", SUMCO has been able to expand the trail with minimal intrusion.  ​Recycled building materials were used. Every possible step was taken to reduce/eliminate the impact on the delicate eco-system.

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The Result
CHANCE  RS2875.203, 8/10 seven foot lead sections with a combination of 5 and 7ft extensions were used to support the walkway.  CHANCE SS5 8/10 seven foot lead sections with 7ft extensions were used for lateral support.  

Additionally, SUMCO took advantage of the new  wireless TORQ-HUB.  This new torque indicator setup allows torque readings to be download and emailed.  This assisted greatly in the efficiency of installing the hundreds of piles needed for the trail expansion.

Construction continues into the summer of 2020.  Check back to see updates and project completion.

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Never Settle