Liberty Square Dock Rehabilitation Options

Proposed improvements to the Liberty Square dock include electrical and plumbing upgrades, security improvements, replacement of dock railings, and reconfiguration of the gangway ramp which provides access to vessels transporting visitors to Fort Sumter.

The NPS is considering three options for reconfiguration of the gangway ramp:

Option 1 involves moving the gangway ramp from its current position in the middle of the pierhead and turning it ninety degrees clockwise to the end of the pierhead. This would open both ends of the pier up for visitor experience and provide two points of ferry access for variations in loading heights.

Option 2 involves moving the gangway ramp from its current position in the middle of the pierhead and turning it ninety degrees counterclockwise. The gangway ramp would be located along the edge of the pier, but on the southern end. This would open the middle area of the pier for visitor experience and allow for distinct areas for visiting and loading.

Option 3 involves moving the gangway ramp off the pier completely. Vessel loading would be moved to a floating dock that would be constructed next to the eastern edge of the pier where vessels currently dock. This configuration would allow visitor access to all portions of the pier, allow for vessel loading independent of tide restrictions, and would include the addition of a security gate to restrict access to berthed vessels.

The NPS is seeking your comments on the preliminary options for gangway reconfiguration, potential issues with park resources, and any other relevant ideas important for this design process. The three options are available for review using the link on this page. Public comments will be accepted from May 17, 2023 through June 16, 2023. Comments can be submitted via this website.

The public is also invited to attend a virtual public meeting on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Staff from the NPS will provide information about the proposed project and be available to answer questions. This meeting will be recorded and posted to the project website following the event.

Document Content:

Liberty Square Dock Rehabiliation Options_Civic Engage_May 2023_508.pdf   (3.1 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.