Battleship cofferdam and walkway project ‘on schedule’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — If you have visited the USS North Carolina Battleship recently you’ve probably noticed a lot of construction.

Battleship staff say crews are on schedule as they continue to work on the cofferdam and memorial walkway project.

Chris Vargo, Battleship Assistant Director, says the cofferdam has already been completed on the starboard stern side even a portion of the half mile walkway is done as well.

Vargo says parts of the ship will open and close throughout the summer but visitors are still welcomed. He is expecting a busy season.

“It’s already shaping up to be busiest and we are excited about it and for folks to come and see this type of project in the works is just amazing to me,” Vargo said.

The project is expected to wrap up at end of this year or early 2018. They are still in need of some funding for the project so donations are appreciated.

The last major dry-docking and repair work was done in 1950s.