People have seen construction activity at Rock Harbor for close to two years. The project to modernize the commercial dock is expected to be completed by Memorial Day with a ribbon-cutting in early summer. Hap Farrell photo.
By Doreen Leggett
Rock Harbor’s future is bright, grounded in a rich history of thriving commercial fisheries and memorable local characters. With strong community support, the town has invested in restoring the aging pier that sustained the fleet. The improvements will help protect and grow the industry and ensure a steady supply of fresh seafood for years to come. This photo gallery provides a glimpse of the progress at the famous spot in Orleans, courtesy of Hap Farrell, a long-time charter boat captain.
Before improvements were made, vessels snagged and sank at the deteriorating dock and the ladders fishermen used to reach their boats were dangerous.
Townspeople voted for the $9-million project at the Orleans town meeting in the spring of 2024. The town also received a $1 million Seaport Economic grant.
The project includes a hoist system for offloading commercial catch, underground utilities, and construction of a steel -sheet bulkhead.
The new bulkhead is 20-feet back from the old one, creating space so fishing boats will no longer need to tie up side by side.
The harbor will have a new 5,420-square-foot dock for offloading commercial catch.
The new wharf will also have an observation deck so people can watch fishermen unload.
Commercial vessels had to relocate for much of the work.
The new wharf takes shape.
The bulkhead was close to 100 years old and had a weight restriction, so Jersey barriers blocked full access. The new bulkhead can be raised higher to meet the challenges of sea level rise and flooding.