Flushing in Muddy Creek, a tidal river and sub-embayment of the Pleasant Bay estuarine system, has been severely restricted due to construction of an earthen embankment with stone culverts at Muddy Creek’s discharge to Pleasant Bay where Route 28 crosses this water body. The purpose of this project was to develop a plan to restore this estuary and adjoining marsh systems by reopening this culvert.

A quantitative assessment of existing vegetative communities and of fish and shellfish resource were mapped along transects to both define existing conditions and provide a benchmark to measure future improvements.

This project included evaluation of several alternatives to restore this salt marsh system and improve habitat. Alternatives were evaluated for a range of criteria to develop a solution that best met project stakeholder needs. An innovative use of a pile-bent bridge was selected as the best solution.