Bay St. Louis boardwalk extension to add 500 feet of pedestrian access

Construction will restart this week on the Bay St. Louis boardwalk, which is scheduled for full completion by the fall of 2027. The work involves extending the existing structure by 500 to 600 feet along the coastal edge.

The project is built atop a concrete scour pad that runs alongside the downtown area. This infrastructure was originally installed as part of the city's storm surge defense system. Although it was not intended for foot traffic, local residents have used the hard surface as a walking path for years.

Chiniche Surveying and Engineering is leading the construction effort in collaboration with city officials. The goal is to transform the defensive structure into a usable public space for both locals and visitors.

Jason Chiniche, the principal engineer for the project, describes the design as a continuous walkable route. The path will connect the harbor to Ulman Avenue, then cross the sand beach to return to the harbor. This creates a direct link between the commercial downtown zone and the shoreline.

The build is divided into four distinct phases. Phase one and portions of phase two are already open to the public. The remaining work includes adding multiple ADA-compliant ramps, a low pier adjacent to a firepit, and the main boardwalk stretch from Main Street to Ulman Avenue.

Design choices aimed to preserve sight lines for local businesses. Chiniche noted that the handrails and cable systems were positioned to avoid blocking views from nearby restaurants. The layout also allows for easier movement between the dining establishments and the walkway.

David Treutel, a long-time resident, cited the new ADA ramps as a key benefit for accessibility. The finished area will feature benches and picnic tables to support outdoor dining and exercise. All four phases of the project are expected to be finished by the fall of 2027.