Block Island Dinghy Dock

Steere Engineering was responsible for the structural engineering and design of the Dead Eye Dick’s Dinghy Dock in New Shoreham, RI to help provide safe access to the island for the local and tourist communities.

The project included the design of the timber piles, timber landing, reinforced concrete landing, and various connections. Since the concrete and timber landing area are located below FEMA base flood elevation (BFE), they were designed for a submerged condition. There are two ADA compliant gangways within the dock system – one is located between the fixed concrete and timber landings, and the other between the fixed timber and floating dock, both fabricated by Custom Float Services. The structures are designed to withstand loading from floods, waves, and other extreme weather events.

The floating L-shaped dock is located between Payne’s Dock and Dead Eye Dick’s restaurant at New Harbor and accommodates approximately 100 Dinghy vessels. The dock opened for use on July 27, 2018.

Location: New Shoreham, Rhode Island

Owner: Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.

Timeline: Design Completed in 2018; Construction Completed in 2018