Ye Olde Planks

A recent inspection by Blaylock Engineers found that the Imperial Beach pier is in need of a makeover — a $1.6 million makeover, even though the port commission deems the pier to be in “generally good condition.”

At last Wednesday’s meeting, representatives from San Diego’s port commission informed the IB City Council of what repairs are necessary. That list included: half-inch gaps in some areas of the pier’s decking, replacement of 28 rail posts due to rust and corrosion, installation of three pilings found to be missing under the pier, and a new sewage line (to replace the one built with insufficient slope to allow sewage to flow freely). Lastly, the boat landing and stair structure at the end of the pier needs a complete overhaul.

After the presentation was over, Councilwoman Lorie Bragg asked the port commission to pay a little more attention to the decking of the pier.

“I’ve had the unfortunate experience of riding on a wheelchair on the pier. Can it (the deck replacement) be more than 20 percent? Can it be 22 percent? Anything would help. I’ll let you ride in the wheelchair so that you can see what it’s like.”

Councilwoman McCoy asked for an approximate cost. “It doesn’t have to be down to the nickel,” she said.

“Good, because our numbers are only in millions,” said an engineer from the port commission.

The cost for the project was originally set at $1.1 million. No explanation was provided as to where the extra $500,000 came from, though it was mentioned that the port commission would be responsible for the extra cost.

Construction is set to begin at the beginning of next year.

For directions to the Imperial Beach Pier, walk past Ye Olde Plank Inn on Seacoast Drive until you set foot on the old planks of the Imperial Beach Pier.