SANTA CRUZ — After a structural assessment was completed of the Santa Cruz Wharf after about 150 feet of the structure’s south end fell into the ocean Dec. 23., the city of Santa Cruz announced Thursday afternoon that the Wharf is structurally sound and will reopen to the public Saturday.
According to the city’s announcement, the Wharf has been deemed safe to reopen based on a recently completed sonar and engineering assessment, which was conducted by engineering firm Moffatt and Nichol.
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“Moffat and Nichol did not observe any damage to the Wharf’s structural capacity beyond the area affected by storm damage and noted that it has the same strength it did before the storm,” said Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Director Tony Elliot in a statement. “Bents (substructures) 169, 170 and 171 do have some damage, and this is the narrower part that remains at the very end of the Wharf and is closed off.”
A sonar scan of the sea floor showed that the heavy equipment that fell into the ocean along with the Wharf’s south end are at a safe distance from the structure and do not pose a risk.
“Wharf contractor Power Engineering Construction worked with Pioneer for an ocean sonar scan to locate their heavy equipment that fell into the ocean on December 23,” said Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker in a statement. “The three heavy equipment items have been successfully located. A skiff washed up on the beach and is secured, and the crane and a skid steer are currently in the ocean at a safe distance from the Wharf and will be tagged tomorrow with a buoy to alert others of the locations.”
The U.S. Coast Guard also reviewed the sonar scans and Pioneer’s findings. “This sonar scan shows the 35T RT crane, pile driving hammer, and leads,” said U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Specialist Response Francis Schian. “The crane was located approximately 160 feet southeast of the collapsed face of the Wharf, which is a safe distance away. The crane is stuck at this time and not moving around.”
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To celebrate the reopening, the city is hosting a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Wharf Stage Area. The ceremony is open to the public and will feature statements from city of Santa Cruz leadership. Note that vehicle traffic will not be permitted to go beyond Marini’s Candies and access to Stagnaro’s will be for pedestrians only.
“We understand that Wharf business owners are eager to resume operations for the public,” said City of Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. “Please join us at the reopening ceremony to support our local businesses during these challenging times. Together, let’s keep Santa Cruz businesses strong.”
For information and updates, visit the city’s social media page.
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