Background
In January 2024, a major coastal storm caused significant flooding along Hingham’s historic waterfront. A storm surge coinciding with high tide overtopped shoreline protection structures, inundating downtown areas, Route 3A, and waterfront infrastructure originally built in the mid‑1800s. Following the storm, the Town of Hingham engaged our team to advance a stalled project and strengthen long‑term coastal resilience
Approach
We completed the MEPA Environmental Notification Form (ENF) and coordinated required local, state, and federal permits. In partnership with Sustainable Coastal Solutions, our team evaluated future coastal flooding risk, sediment transport, and wave forces to inform preliminary engineering and design.
Based on these analyses, we developed adaptable shoreline improvements designed to meet projected sea level rise, including:
- Raising shoreline protection structures five feet to meet 2050 sea level projections
- Designing foundations to accommodate future elevation for 2070 conditions
- Construction of vegetated coastal dunes to provide nature‑based protection
- Elevation of town parking areas and the public boat ramp
- Raising Town Wharf and Barnes Wharf
- Installation of a new stone revetment at POW/MIA Memorial Park
- Upgrades to the Home Meadows tide gate
Throughout design development, we coordinated closely with MassDOT to align the project with planned reconstruction and elevation of Route 3A. Initial permitting and concept development were funded in collaboration with Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management (CZM), resulting in 30% preliminary design plans.
Results
The project establishes a resilient, adaptable framework to protect Hingham’s historic waterfront, infrastructure, and public access from future coastal flooding. Phase I construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.
Markets: Departments of Transportation, Water and Wastewater
Services: Coastal and Waterfront Engineering and Dredging, Environmental and Regulatory Services, Transportation
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