Galveston Seawall, Protective seawall in Galveston, United States
The Galveston Seawall is a protective barrier along the Texas Gulf Coast that stretches for 10 miles (16 km) and measures roughly 16 feet (5 m) thick at its base. The concrete structure rises about 17 feet (5 m) above sea level and shields the neighborhoods behind it from storm surges.
The city built this barrier between 1902 and 1904 in response to the 1900 hurricane that claimed more than 6,000 lives. Engineers also raised the land behind the barrier to secure the urban area from future flooding.
The waterfront promenade known as Seawall Boulevard connects hotels, restaurants, and beach sections over several miles. Families gather here to jog, cycle, or watch waves crash against the barrier.
Access is available all along Seawall Boulevard, where parking and rest areas are located. Visitors can walk or cycle along the barrier and enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico.
The barrier prevented an estimated 100 million dollars in damage during Hurricane Alicia in 1983. It was later extended several times and is now one of the longest coastal protection structures in North America.
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