The city of Pacifica announced Friday that it has begun emergency stabilization activities to the Pacifica Municipal Pier. The work is expected to continue through Tuesday.
Construction crews will be placing erosion-resistant rocks to mitigate the impact of waves at the pier’s supporting structure, called an abutment, and along Sharp Park Beach to stabilize the pier, according to a city news release.
On June 4, the city announced the indefinite closure of the pier due to cracking and damage to the concrete walkway and abutment. Following structural engineering tests, the city declared a local emergency the following day.
The city’s emergency declaration said the structural damage was caused by rough surf and swells near the abutment and Chit Chat Cafe, a local shop that sat at the foot of the pier. After additional assessments, the cafe was forced to close immediately and was demolished on Tuesday.
The city of Pacifica said the stabilization work will be conducted at nighttime during low tide conditions to ensure safety for workers accessing the abutment and beach. Residents and visitors are being advised of construction-related noise and truck traffic overnight and during early morning hours.
The Pacifica Municipal Pier will continue to remain closed during the stabilization and repair activity. The news release said the city is continuing to work with engineers, contractors and regulatory agencies throughout the process.
On Monday at noon, U.S. Rep. Sam Liccardo, D-San Jose, will hold a news conference at the Pacifica pier calling for immediate federal aid to repair the damage.
According to a Friday news release from Liccardo’s office, he called on President Donald Trump’s administration last year to reinstate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which would give the Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to the city to rebuild the seawall.