Write a commentHigh water levels along Lake Ontario in recent years has caused record flooding and accelerated the ongoing problem of coastal erosion.
Oswego County continues to take steps to address the situation and protect its citizens, property and heritage.
“Stabilizing the shoreline along county Route 89 in Oswego Town is critical,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup, District 9. “The floodwall and embankment not only support the roadway, but also public utilities. Undertaking these vital improvements will help ensure the safety of travelers along that stretch of road as well as our residents’ access to clean utilities.”
Oswego County Legislator Paul Connolly, who represents District 20 where the project is located, agreed by adding, “County Route 89 is an important piece of infrastructure for our community, and stabilizing this section of shoreline is crucial to protecting the roadway, nearby properties and essential utilities.
“This project is the result of careful planning and a thorough process, from engineering and environmental review to securing the necessary permits and competitively bidding the work,” he added. “We have a responsibility to make sure this investment is done properly and provides long-term protection for the community. It will help ensure county Route 89 remains safe, reliable and accessible for years to come.”
Reconstruction and stabilization efforts are already underway. The County is working with Barton and Loguidice, the Liverpool, N.Y.-based engineering firm that also helped with the Camp Hollis shoreline stabilization project in 2024, and W.D. Malone Trucking and Excavating of Hannibal, N.Y. as the current project contractor.
The stabilization project will address the full length (850 feet) of the concrete floodwall and embankment located on county-owned property along county Route 89; roughly from the west side of Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-in to the east side of Burt Point.
In addition to annual erosion, this floodwall was heavily damaged when waves overtook it during the historic flooding of 2017 and 2019.
Once completed, the reconstructed wall and embankment will enhance the protection of local infrastructure, including a water line and a sewer line.
The project also includes restoration of the lawn area above the embankment to provide a scenic and usable space for property owners.
The County Route 89 Stabilization Project is funded through the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative’s (REDI) allotment of $2.46 million to Oswego County and complies with federal, state and local permit requirements.
Designed for the next 50 years or more, the stabilization project on county Route 89 helps ensure a durable, long-term solution to ongoing erosion in the area.
