South Shore Breakwater - North Section

The South Shore Breakwater serves as a near-shore structure that protects the shoreline and coastal assets along Cupertino, South Shore, and Bay View Parks. The existing stone on the north section of the breakwater is undersized for the forces that are applied from storm events and ice. Over the years the existing stones have been moved due to these forces flattening the breakwater and developing gaps. Last investments related to construction on the breakwater took place in 2006, and the condition of the asset has deteriorated over time. Age, high water, and wave action have resulted in numerous openings in the breakwater, and large stone that had made up the structure has been moved into the navigation channel that is adjacent. Significant investments have been made to the Oak Leaf Trail, South Shore Yacht Club, South Shore Boat Launch, and related assets that rely on the protection of this breakwater. Improvements to the breakwater should consider the South Shore Beach Relocation Study, and any related plans. The height of the breakwater should be raised as well to provide better protection from waves overtopping the breakwater.

Picture of armor stone used for the 2023 breakwater spot repair.

Planning and design were completed for the reconstruction of the north section of the breakwater that provides protection to Cupertino Park, the South Shore Yacht Club, South Shore Park, and the Oak Leaf Trail. An appropriation was included in the 2023 Capital Improvements Budget for spot repair of the north section of the breakwater as the minimum needed to protect the shoreline from additional damage. The scope of work included the repair of 7 breaches/holes along the north section of the breakwater. This spot repair work was completed in Fall 2023.

Overview of 2023 breakwater spot repair locations.

Funding was allocated in 2024 for the reconstruction of a large portion of the north section of the breakwater fronting the South Shore Yacht Club. The scope of work includes construction to regrade the existing structure to provide a suitable base for rehabilitation/upgrade works, including salvage and reuse of suitable materials excavated from the existing structure; and placement of new filter and armor stone materials, sized to withstand design wave and ice conditions, with the crest elevation and width as required to provide the required level of wave protection to existing and proposed infrastructure located behind the structure.

Crane used for placement of armor stone during 2023 breakwater spot repair work.