About the Project
Location: McNeill Bay
Type of Work: Preliminary Design
Timeline: Third Quarter 2026 (anticipated)
Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) has been awarded a contract to prepare the preliminary design for a sea wall at McNeill Bay. This is to help reduce the ongoing erosion along approximately 200 meters of McNeill Bay.
Initial field investigations are underway. These will support the development of two feasibility design options.
Project Updates
Aug. 26 | Storm Outfall Repair Work
Starting Thursday, August 27, crews will be installing a pipe liner inside the existing storm pipe at Beach Drive at Monterey Avenue. This work will restore the structural integrity of the storm main pipe, sealing the pipe and reducing erosion from behind the headwall while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.
The work starts August 27, 2026, and is anticipated to be completed in two days.
Traffic/Impacts
• Work will be performed from the road surface on Beach Drive, with minimal work taking place on the beach.
• Typical hours of work are expected between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• The sidewalk will remain open.
• Signage will be posted to assist pedestrians and cyclists navigating the area.
• Possible delays through the construction site should be expected.
• Please exercise caution when walking through site.
Monterey Beach Access
Beach access at Monterey Avenue and Beach Drive is closed due to erosion around the headwall of the storm
outfall. The stairs will remain closed until the design and construction of the sea wall are complete.
Apr. 21 | Beach Access at Monterey Ave. Closed
The beach access at Monterey Avenue is closed due to erosion occurring around the stairs. The entrance will remain closed as the District evaluates our options to repair the damage.
Visitors can still access the beach from the entrance at Beach Drive at Oliver Street.
Jan. 7 | Work Scheduled for Jan. 19
On January 19, contractors will be onsite conducting small exploratory excavations in the grass boulevard located behind the embankment.
Traffic Impacts
During work, there will be reduced public parking along Beach Drive. Public access will remain open throughout the project, with traffic controls in place (if necessary) to ensure safety and assist pedestrians and drivers through the work zone.
Dec. 3 | December 2025 Update
Brush clearing near McNeill Bay was completed this fall to support survey of the bank.
Archaeological, geotechnical and environmental assessments are planned for December 2025 and January 2026.
Traffic Impacts
- Reduced public parking on beach drive during work
- Public access to the beach will be maintained
Additional Information
Can I still visit the beach?
The beach will remain open to the public throughout the project. Visitors may notice teams working around the embankment to study the area for design, however, ground disturbance will be kept to a minimum.
What will the designs look like?
While early in the process, two designs are currently being considered. These include a bio-engineered wall (layers of reinforced, vegetated growing mediums placed on stacked rock) or an architectural concrete seawall.