CHATHAM – Progress continues on the construction of the observation deck at the Chatham Fish Pier.
Health and Natural Resources Director Robert Duncanson recently provided photos and an update to selectmen on the progress of the work.
The deck has been expanded on the south side and railings and decking installation has begun.
“I can tell you that it looks great and it’s watertight,” Duncanson said.
Duncanson said the south jog is a great place to watch seals and there were frequently a lot of people along the rail.
A set of egress stairs will also be constructed on the south side deck.
Duncanson said the new deck was also built higher than the previous structure and will now provide more room for storage for fishermen underneath.
Fish hoists and the new davit has been installed.
“Basically the fishing operations are unimpeded by the construction at this point,” Duncanson said.
Along the east side, the new fuel system has been in operation since July 19. The fuel dispenser did suffer damage during the July 23rd severe storm which dropped three tornadoes on Cape Cod.
Work on the north side has been moving ahead more slowly.
“This side is a little bit more complicated because this is where the new stairs will be – the main access point for the public – as well as the new vertical lift platform – basically the handicap elevator,” Duncanson said.
The town is working with the contractor to finalize a new project completion date in early September.
The contractor has also been approved to work a shift from 4 p.m. to midnight. Originally, construction crews were working during the day and work was approved until 11 p.m.
“They tried to work during the day when fishing operations were going on but they had to suspend work when fish was being offloaded to make sure there was no contamination of the fresh product,” Duncanson said.
Crews do continue to work during the day if it is in areas that do not impact fish offloading operations.
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