McQueen’s Island Trail to get quick fix, but long-term plan a ways off | savannahnow.com

The McQueen’s Island Trail continues to deteriorate three months after the Chatham County Commission pledged to work with concerned residents to fix the popular recreational site.

The trail, a former rail bed along U.S. 80 toward Tybee Island, has been plagued over the years by significant erosion caused by tides and waves from container ships and other watercraft, according to county officials.

Just inches of the six-mile trail are left in some spots that are dangerously close to being washed out. If it ever washes out entirely, officials say the state Department of Natural Resources will not permit the trail to be rebuilt.

Certain materials are prohibited from being used in any repair work. Four years ago, bags of oyster shells were used in an attempt to stabilize the trail’s northern slope.

However, little has succeeded in preventing the scenic trail, framed by palm trees, from suffering continued erosion.

Currently, the county Purchasing and Contracting Department is preparing plans for repair work to be put out to bid, according to Robert Drewry, director of Public Works and Park Services.

via McQueen’s Island Trail to get quick fix, but long-term plan a ways off | savannahnow.com.