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Dockton Seawall repairs
January 2024 – At low-tide, our inspectors can examine all aspects of the seawall and provide recommendations for repair. The inspectors complete this evaluation annually.
Status update
Winter 2024
The Road Services Division inspects the timber seawall every year and after major storms, when necessary, to identify any potential areas in need of repair. If any future repairs are found necessary, maintenance crews will make additional repairs. Any future repair work that requires lane restrictions will be posted both on this site and on the MyCommute webpage, though no work is currently planned.
Map
The map above shows the location of the Dockton Seawall, on Dockton Road SW between SW Ellisport Road and SW Quartermaster Drive on Vashon Island, WA. View larger image (231KB)
Overview
The Dockton Seawall was built in 1916 and is located on Dockton Road SW between SW Ellisport Road and SW Quartermaster Drive. The seawall helps to support the road and acts as a barrier to the Tramp Harbor water so that it does not overwhelm and damage the road that connects Vashon and Maury Islands. King County inspects the entire length of the seawall every year and after major storms to identify areas in need of repair. This maintenance work helps to preserve safe access to people who use the road.
In 2019, inspectors discovered damage in several areas near the Tramp Harbor public dock. The county launched a two-phase repair plan to address the damaged areas found. Phase one was completed in December 2019. Phase two was completed in summer 2020.
During phase one, King County repaired 90 feet of failed timber wall, backfilled 23 small sinkholes adjacent to the seawall, and two 13-foot-diameter sinkholes near the parking lot. Phase two included the repair of an additional 100 feet of seawall and another nine sinkholes.
The most recent repairs were necessary because of damage from the January 2023 king tide. Crews completed these repairs in March 2023, which included patching the bottom section of a part of the wooden wall, just north of Highland Avenue SW, with new wood. Road Services also reinforced this section with concrete blocks to help prevent further damage.
Photos
January 2024 – During low tide, the wood paneling on this stretch of the Dockton Seawall is visible. White reference numbers are used by inspectors to help with identification of piles and wall sections when inspectors and crews coordinate for repairs. View larger image (5MB)
December 2022 – The seawall and roadway on Dockton Road SW withstand immense force and impact from the king tides, often requiring repairs and reinforcement periodically. View larger image (8MB)