SAN DIEGO — Six months after a fire severely damaged the Oceanside Pier, crews have begun the process of making repairs.
Oceanside City Engineer Brian Thomas said it will be a long and difficult process. In all, repairs could take two to three years and cost potentially $20 million.
A fire erupted on the end of the pier inside the Ruby's Diner building in April. This prompted a multi-agency effort that continued for more than 24 hours, city officials said. Crews were able to save roughly 95% of the 1,950-foot-long wooden structure, and about 80% of the pier reopened two weeks later.
Crews do not plan to close the pier to the public while they make lasting repairs. Thomas said the pier would only close for an hour or two if needed at all.
"The idea is to keep the pier open for the use and enjoyment of the public," Thomas said.
Crews began the first part of the demolition process on Monday. They will be installing scaffolding sets, which will help prevent any toxic debris from falling into the water, making sure the ocean and marine life is protected.
Next week, after the scaffolding is set up, crews will turn their focus to tearing down the old Ruby's Diner building that was damaged because of the fire. That also includes removing the deck planking and the rails around the pier.
Once that is done, crews will be able to evaluate further repairs needed.