SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif — San Diego will partially reopen the Ocean Beach Pier to the public this Friday, May 28, it was announced Wednesday.
City engineers said a portion of the pier can safely reopen for public access after repairs were made to railings and service lines to the café.
“Today’s announcement is a great step forward for the local community and for visitors who come to enjoy this San Diego landmark,” said Council President Campbell. “Although the pier will only be partially re-opened, I look forward to working with Mayor Gloria and the community to create a path forward for a long-term solution.”
Public access will be allowed up to the bait shop and café and only emergency vehicles will be allowed when necessary. Officials said if there are very high tides the pier will need to close.
Most recently the city spent $250,000 in repairs.
"We all know that is not sufficient, the partial closure needed to be addressed. The challenge is addressing the full need of the pier are extremely expensive," said Mayor Todd Gloria.
Wednesday night the Ocean Beach Town Council held a town hall and heard from Gloria on the issue.
"This is an iconic structure, a historic landmark, none of us could think of our city without having it," said Gloria.
The mayor said his office has sent a request to Senator Padilla and reached out to local state lawmakers.
In January, the pier experienced damage due to storm conditions which required the replacement of several railings along the pier.
“The news that the Ocean Beach Pier will be partially reopened on Friday is great news for everyone who loves this iconic San Diego landmark,” said Gloria. “I look forward to working with Council President Campbell and the community on a plan to fully reopen the pier.”
During the town hall, locals and San Diegans talked about their vision for the pier.
"The Ocean Beach pier is a jewel in the crown of San Diego county," said Mark Winkie, Ocean Beach Town Council President. "The important thing is to get the community to have dialogue and have a seat at the table in these decisions."
During the meeting, Ralph Teyssier, Structural Engineer, son of the original contractor who built the pier said the pier needs to be rebuilt and short-term fixes won't be cost-effective.
Campbell said she started a working group on the issue. The timeline on a decision depends on what money can be secured.
City engineers and maintenance crews said a longer-term strategy is being developed for the future of the pier.
WATCH RELATED: Ocean Beach Pier damaged by high surf (Jan. 2019)