Demolition of Seacliff State Beach pier to begin next week
APTOS — Weeks after California State Parks announced an intention to take down the irreparably damaged pier at Seacliff State Beach, a date has been set for work to commence.
According to a State Parks release, the demolition process will begin March 20 and is expected to take six weeks. When the work is complete, no visible portions of the pier will be left for those passing by to view, but attempts will be made to remove items such as the lifeguard tower and memorial benches prior to the pier’s destruction.
To mitigate safety hazards, officials say public access will be limited from the waterline to the bluffs during the demolition work which will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The visitor center will be open during its normal operational hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.
Heavy atmospheric river storms in January and a relentless high tide stripped away more than half of the pier that was connected to the iconic Cement Ship and severely damaged the section that remained. The park’s campground area also sustained devastating impacts and will be closed for the remainder of the year.
When the rains briefly stopped and the waves receded, assessments from structural engineers determined that the pier was in a state of imminent collapse and should be removed as soon as possible.
After the news came out, hundreds of community members gathered to participate in a volunteer beach cleanup to bid an emotional farewell to the structure that holds precious memories for many in the county.
A State Parks official previously told the Sentinel that once the pier demolition and clean-up phases are finished, a public planning process will be announced with a goal of establishing public-serving infrastructure that is resilient to the realities of climate change and rising seas.
Demolition schedule
What: Demolition of the Seacliff pier.
When: Begins March 20 and is expected to take six weeks.
Details: For safety reasons, public access will be limited from the waterline to the bluffs, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.