Tiverton's old dinghy dock has been gone from the Stone Bridge abutment and Grinnell's Beach for years, but should be back in plenty of time for this year's busy summer season.

Workers will soon install three large floats and two ramps at the abutment, providing space for about 15 dinghies and additional transient boaters who want to tie up for a few hours.

The old dock was wiped out by a storm years ago, Tiverton Harbor Commission vice-chairman David Stewart said Thursday, leaving a "derelict" behind. But state workers involved with the Sakonnet River Bridge construction project left behind several large floats and an aluminum ramp, and Stewart said he and others were able to secure those for use at the new dock. The town was recently given permission from the CRMC to install them, as well a second ramp, and he expects the work will be done by mid-May.

"So now we want residents to enjoy it," said Stewart, who is trying to spread the word about the dock's availability. Tiverton residents will be charged $300 per season to tie up a dinghy up to 12 feet long. In addition to a spot at the abutment, the fee will give them access to a town-owned lot behind the Red Dory, where they can park their car. There is no charge for transients to use the space, but there is a two-hour time limit, he said.

"This is the final piece" of the Stone Bridge/Grinell's Beach puzzle, he said. "We're looking forward to having it done."

Note: To secure a spot at the dinghy dock, contact Tiverton Harbormaster Tyler Loomis at 625-6708.