HDR-Moffatt & Nichol Joint Venture Selected to Develop Rehabilitation Plan of Seawalls Protecting National Parks and Memorials in Washington, D.C.

OMAHA, Neb. — The National Park Service has selected a joint venture team of HDR and Moffatt & Nichol to repair, rehabilitate, and reconstruct several failing seawalls in the National Capital Area. The multi-year program will address waterfront improvements in National Parks throughout the Washington, D.C. area. The joint venture team will start work under an initial task order of $5.7 million to begin the planning and compliance process.

The program includes the rehabilitation of historic seawalls along many shorelines, in many parks in the national capital area, including the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River, from Memorial Bridge south more than 2.5 miles to Hains Point and then north along the Washington Channel, a total distance of approximately 5.4 miles. The walls protect many of the nation’s iconic sites, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Japanese Pagoda, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the iconic Japanese flowering cherry trees. The rehabilitation of these structures is also intended to keep common tidal water levels from inundating the public parks, such as East and West Potomac Parks, to improve the experience of these popular recreation destinations for district residents and visitors.

The seawall systems at these locations date from the late 1800s to early 1900s, with major sections replaced in the 1930s and 1940s. In the decades since construction, portions have settled as much as five feet, leading to daily overtopping by water and ongoing damage to the seawalls as well as hazards to visitors and upland vegetation. Their rehabilitation is critical to continue to preserve the treasured U.S. monuments they protect.

“Overseeing this technical rehabilitation work to preserve some of the nation’s most beloved public spaces for future generations is an honor and a testament to the expertise of our skilled waterfront engineering team,” said HDR Program Manager Kent Brogger.

“Washington D.C.’s waterfront is a living, national treasure. We are honored to help maintain the integrity and resiliency of these historic structures, as we continue making history in our nation’s capital,” said Moffatt & Nichol Project Manager Rob Sloop.

The joint venture team, with HDR as the lead, brings together two of the nation’s largest, most experienced marine engineering firms. HDR has decades of experience working with the National Park Service, and Moffatt & Nichol is highly regarded for their history of waterfront service in the national capital area.

About HDR

For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 11,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future. For more information, please visit www.hdrinc.com.

About Moffatt & Nichol

Moffatt & Nichol operates from offices throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, the firm serves public and private entities worldwide, providing professional consultancy in several primary areas—ports, water, and transportation. Please visit www.moffattnichol.com.