DULUTH, MN– According to Duluth City officials, about $2.3 million was spent on Phase 2 of the Lakewalk Reconstruction project to make the section behind Fitger’s more resilient to storms.

On Monday it was put to the test as heavy rains and 60 mile per hour winds swept through Duluth.

Mike LeBeau Construction Project Supervisor for the City of Duluth said the newly reconstructed section held up to Monday’s storm, adding that it’s all thanks to the new design.

“Well the original construction was various sized rocks and fill pushed into the lake,” LeBeau said.

But on Monday waves were able to break over large rocks that are part of the newly engineered walk.

“The rocks are shaped a certain way and placed specifically. The waves hit it and are deflected in a certain manner,” LeBeau added.

Those rocks along with a foot and a half thick retaining wall played a role in saving the Lakewalk.

“The wall then stops the rest of the remaining wave energy from undermining the boardwalk,” LeBeau said.

Kevin James Mellin lives and operates a business on the Lakewalk and says he was happy to see no damage when he woke up Tuesday.

“This morning it looked good rocks blew up the wall stayed they brought them in all the new rocks they put back there are great and they were flat so it’s nice for visitors and again residents,” Mellin said.

A successful fix the city of Duluth has made to make a safer community.