SAN DIEGO — The western end of Crystal Pier, a beloved landmark in Pacific Beach, has been closed since December of last year due to damage from storms and high surf.
Now, construction crews have started a second phase of repairs, bringing hope to San Diego residents and visitors alike.
"I'm happy it's getting fixed. It's almost been a year and I walk out there almost every day," said one local resident.
The City of San Diego recently posted updates on the repair progress, stating that crews are currently replacing eight piles that were broken or damaged.
This work is expected to be completed this winter, after which broken braces will be replaced.
However, the timeline for full reopening remains uncertain. The delay in repairs can be attributed to several factors:
- Funding: In June, the San Diego City Council unanimously approved emergency funding of $1 million for the repairs. Additional funding will be needed to complete all required work.
- Evaluation: Before work could begin, the city needed to assess the extent of the damage.
- Permitting: A city spokesperson told CBS8 that working in coastal waters involves a complex permitting process, which can lead to delays.
Despite the closure, the Crystal Pier Hotel has remained open. The contractor has also agreed to maintain the tradition of placing a Christmas tree at the end of the pier, although public access will not be permitted.
The partial closure has disappointed some visitors.
Lucas Nordan, who came from Florida with his sons hoping to fish from the pier, said, "I guess we're not gonna be able to go fishing...out here anyway."
For many locals, the pier's closure has left a noticeable void. "I miss walking out there so much," one resident commented.
As work continues, the community eagerly awaits the full reopening of what many consider to be "the jewel of Pacific Beach." While a completion date is still unknown, the ongoing repairs represent a significant step towards restoring this iconic San Diego landmark.