Imperial Beach Pier Maintenance Project Begins Soon: Short Periodic Closures Planned
Contact: Brianne Page, 619.348.1518, bpage@portofsandiego.org
The Imperial Beach Pier, a regional attraction and widely recognized landmark for the City of Imperial Beach and Port of San Diego, will undergo maintenance work starting Monday, November 18, 2024. The Port is replacing two pilings to maintain the structural integrity of Imperial Beach’s beloved pier, ensuring it can be enjoyed by visitors and the community for generations to come. The project will also include localized deck board replacement and utility piping work. Below is what the public can expect during the last two weeks of November, including a short full closure of the pier:
- November 18-19 – staging and prep work, pier fully open
- November 20-22 – placement of new pilings, full closure, no public access
- November 23-24 – pier fully open for the weekend
- November 25-27 – partial closure at mid-pier, public access maintained for full length of the pier
- November 28 – pier fully open
During the November 20-22 closure, the contractor anticipates using a helicopter to stage and install the new pilings. For safety reasons, this scheduled work is dependent on weather and may be pushed back if conditions are not safe for the helicopter to fly. If there are delays or changes in the scheduled work, updates with new planned closure dates will be communicated to the public. Future deck board replacement work and utility piping work may require partial pier closures or short full pier closures. More details will be released at a later date. The project is anticipated to be complete in summer 2025. Details and updates on this project can be found at portofsandiego.org/IBPierProject.
The Port has managed the pier since 1991. Prior to this planned maintenance project, the Port performed a major upgrade to the pier in 2006 and in 2014 replacing nearly 1,500 of the pier’s planks/deck boards. In 2021 and 2022, the Port invested millions in a series of beautification improvements for the pier. Some of the work includes:
- New paint in brighter colors on the railings and the pier’s three structures – the Tin Fish Restaurant, the Lifeguard Tower, and the public restrooms
- Destination-themed murals and graphics
- 30 new stainless steel fishing rod holders
- External repairs made to the pier’s three structures
- An artistic shade canopy in a shark and water design over the pier extension at mid-pier just across from the public restrooms
- Wood railing around the old boat loading ramp area near the Tin Fish Restaurant replaced with stainless steel cable railing for improved ocean and beach views
- Distance markers added every 250 feet to mark the distance to the end of the pier and encourage guests to walk the entire length of the nearly 1,500-foot pier.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.