Enhancing Duluth's Waterfront with ICE® Equipment and The Hose Company

Sinkholes at seawalls, also known as earth subsidences, were a common issue wherever seawalls met the relentless forces of moving water. Tides, waves, and boat traffic eroded the soil behind seawalls, often leading to dangerous sinkholes. This problem was particularly prevalent in older seawalls that had deteriorated over time, allowing water to infiltrate and erode the structure's support.

In 2016, Duluth, Minnesota, faced a similar issue along its waterfront near the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Small sinkholes were discovered, posing a safety risk to pedestrians, tourists, and residents. The discovery of these sinkholes made it clear that the city needed to address the aging seawalls to ensure safety and stability in the area.

After years of planning, Duluth began transforming the area into a modern, safe, and inviting public space. The project involved replacing the damaged seawall and aging infrastructure along the waterfront, a high-traffic area popular for ship-viewing and summer tourism.

Transforming Duluth's Waterfront: A Bold New Vision

The project replaced approximately 1,000 feet of seawall, with plans to create safer pedestrian and bicycle paths between the seawall and the DECC. New green spaces, gathering areas, and modern lighting were added, transforming the area into a vibrant new harbor plaza. The development improved connections between Canal Park, Bayfront Festival Park, and the Great Lakes Aquarium, boosting local tourism and strengthening the region's economy.

Wren Works & ICE® Equipment in Action

Wren Works, LLC, a marine and highway construction company based in Poplar, Wisconsin, was selected to carry out the crucial work. Specializing in sheet pile and dock wall construction, Wren Works was tasked with replacing the seawall and improving infrastructure along Duluth's waterfront. Construction began in the fall of 2023, and the seawall was expected to be completed by late 2024.

To ensure the new seawall was strong and weather-resistant, Wren Works relied on ICE® (International Construction Equipment, Inc.) equipment. They used the ICE® 50B Vibratory Driver/Extractor to install the steel sheets for the new seawall and the ICE® IP-3 Hydraulic Impact Hammer to drive H Piles and Pipe Piles deep into the bedrock. ICE® equipment’s reliability and efficiency were essential in overcoming the challenges of the project, particularly with soil conditions and structural interference from the area’s previous use as a shipping terminal and scrap yard.

The Critical Role of High-Quality Hydraulic Hoses

The efficiency of ICE® equipment heavily relied on the hydraulic hoses that powered them. At The Hose Company, we provided Hydrauli-Flex hoses designed to withstand high pressures and harsh environments, ensuring ICE® equipment ran at peak performance. Our hoses were critical to the success of projects like the Duluth seawall replacement, contributing to timely and successful project completion. The efficiency of ICE® Vibratory Hammers and Drills heavily relies on the quality of their hydraulic hoses. The Hose Company supplies robust and flexible hoses that withstand high pressures and harsh environments. This collaboration guarantees that ICE® equipment maintains peak performance, contributing to successful and timely project completions.

A Seamless Collaboration for Success

Wren Works Project Manager Jake Magdzas highlighted the importance of the right equipment: “There has been a cost and time savings, knowing that the equipment being used is properly sized for the materials being driven. At the end of the day, time is money.” Thanks to the reliable machinery from ICE® and the durable hydraulic hoses from The Hose Company, Wren Works was able to make great progress on the $18 million project, which boosted the local economy, enhanced the waterfront's infrastructure, and provided an improved public space for residents and tourists alike.

Contact Us for Your Next Project

At The Hose Company, we were proud to support projects like the Duluth seawall replacement with our high-performance Hydrauli-Flex hoses. Whether you were in marine, construction, or industrial sectors, our hoses were engineered to withstand even the toughest conditions.