VHB partnered with the Town of North Kingstown to redevelop a portion of Allen Harbor Marina, addressing aging infrastructure and increasing public demand. The existing boat ramp was deteriorated and limited in functionality, with only two narrow lanes, a shallow 10.5% slope, and just 120 feet of side-tie dockage. Through a collaborative planning process with the Town and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the team developed a new concept that modernized and expanded the facility.
The final design introduced three launch lanes, a steeper 12.5% slope for improved usability, and nearly 400 feet of side-tie dockage. Construction featured precast concrete panels and custom timber docks from Sullivan Floatation Systems, incorporating one of Rhode Island’s first uses of internal pile guides for unimpeded side-tie access. VHB led landside and in-water surveys, managed the geotechnical investigation, and designed the ramp, float anchor system, and upland regrading. The team also guided the project through all levels of regulatory review, prepared construction documents, and provided bid and construction phase support. The result is a significantly improved public boating facility that enhances safety, efficiency, and user experience.
