Marine Sheplers Dock

KEEPING UP WITH POPULAR DEMAND

For centuries visitors have found Mackinac Island to be the ideal getaway. More recently with no cars, no chain hotels, just world-famous fudge, tourism to the Island has been ever increasing.  Over one million visitors arrive by ferry each year to Mackinac Island.  Shepler’s Ferry carries a bulk of that traffic and needed to create more space on their dock to keep up with the increased demand.   

INSIDE THE PROJECT

“Let’s get to Mackinaw Island in the dead of the winter and build a new dock!” said no one ever, except the Durocher team.  Work on the dock couldn’t start until Shepler’s ferried the last tourist off the island at the end of October.  Our crews demolished the end of the existing dock, drove 60 – 65 ft Hpiles, and installed the steel deck framing.  A new sheet pile cell extension was also added to the end of the existing dock.  Tight quarters, unpredictable subsurface conditions and freezing weather added to the challenge, but the team persisted and finished on time for new spring season start up. 

WHY IT MATTERS

Shepler’s dock expansion allows passengers to queue on the expanded dock area instead of the busy traffic laden main street, which makes it safer for passengers and tourists enjoying the island.

BEYOND THE PROJECT

We’ve completed challenging projects coast to coast, but there is nothing like getting one close to home and helping improve the local marine infrastructure. Time and again Durocher continues to be the first call when these opportunities present themselves.