Indianola dock closed while pilings replaced

Published 3:27 pm Friday, September 26, 2014

INDIANOLA — The nearly 100-year-old Indianola dock is getting more sturdy — and more environmentally friendly.

Twenty creosoted pilings are being replaced with galvanized steel. Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 3. The dock is closed while work is being done.

The project will cost $252,000.

“We are moving along as quickly as possible,” Port Commissioner John Lane said. “We’re doing our best to make the dock a safe place for everyone.”

The work is being done by Quigg Brothers Inc., an Aberdeen-based engineering company. The company requested an advance of $66,000 to cover material costs, according to the July 17 Port of Indianola meeting minutes.

The project is being funded through a general obligation bond. Indianola port district residents voted 527-207 in November 2013 to increase their property tax to pay for improvements and maintenance of the iconic, historic dock.

The project follows discussion that began in 2013 over safety after swaying was noticeable at a portion of the dock. The dock was closed for about three months during peak use in the summer. After outcry from Indianola residents, and the resignation of two of three port commissioners, the dock reopened with promises of committee work to begin making the dock more stable.

The dock was built in 1916 to accommodate boats and passenger ferries, according to the port district’s website. The port district was established in 1933 and the dock was widened and reinforced to accommodate vehicle access. Ferry service to Indianola ended in 1951 and the dock was later narrowed for pedestrian use.  The dock accommodates a variety of recreational uses, including fishing and swimming.

The 900-foot dock is technically a pier, although stairs at the end of the pier lead to a float at which small boats can temporarily dock.