The first pile for South Whidbey Harbor’s new breakwater was pounded into the seafloor Tuesday.

Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Curt Gordon said it was great to see workers drive piles and this phase of the expansion project finally underway.

Work for the project began in April and in-water work for the harbor began July 15.

Gordon said this phase of the expansion will add 400 linear feet of dock space.

Ed Field, port operations manager, said between one and three pilings can be installed per day depending on conditions. The crew will install 14 piles total.

Field said Tuesday morning, before the first pile was installed, he was anxious to know the conditions of the soil because that will determine how fast the rest can be installed.

Once the piling work is complete, the breakwater will be separated in two segments and the anchor lines attached.

The first phase will cost $1.6 million and should wrap in December. The total cost for the project will be up to $2.4 million.

“We’re on track. We’re hoping everything will be tidied up so next season we will have a new, fully-operating expanded facility,” he said.

Gordon said he looked forward to the expanded capacity which will allow room for larger boats, groups and yacht clubs.

“Just the activity brings in more out-of-town folks up and into Langley,” Gordon said.

Once the first phase of the project is complete, Gordon said the port will have a joint planning session with Langley city officials to make sure all parties are in agreement with the next phases of the project.