EDMONDS — The opening of the city’s fishing pier, which has been closed since March, has been delayed again.
Now, the city hopes to have a portion of the north-south leg of the pier open Sept. 2, and for the repair project to be wrapped up by the end of the month.
The $1.9 million project has been slowed by unexpected problems arising in repairing the 41-year-old structure. The city initially hoped to reopen the pier in June.
Construction workers found substantial rebar corrosion and concrete deterioration because of moisture penetrating the structure far more than had been expected.
Testing found that more than 90 percent of the pier structure beyond the breakwater needed its concrete edges reinforced and its railing support anchors rebuilt.
That added an additional $350,000 to the cost of repairing the pier. The money was provided by the state.
The reopening of the pier had been set for Tuesday. As other problems arose in finishing the project, the city hoped to open part of the pier Friday.
Construction teams have been working hard “but little things keep coming up,” said Henry Schroder, who is overseeing the pier project for the city.
That date has now been switched to Sept. 2. That means sports fishermen will miss the end of salmon season, but can catch the last couple of days of crabbing season, which closes Sept. 5.
Among the latest issues were problems with plastic railings that were warping, and parts that weren’t available, Schroder said.
Work that will continue after Sept. 2 will require some parts of the pier to be temporarily cordoned off, such as in areas where benches and shelters are being installed, or work is being completed on fish cleaning stations.
“We’re hoping by the end of September we’ll have a complete product for the ribbon cutting,” he said.
The L-shaped pier, which opened in 1975, attracts about 100,000 visitors a year to the waterfront. In addition to a prime spot for fishing, people also like to stroll its 944-foot length. Bird watchers also tote spotting scopes and binoculars to the pier to get close-up looks at seabirds.
Although the work has stretched out for the entire summer, it’s expected to extend the life of the pier for another 40 years, said Carrie Hite, the city’s parks, recreational and cultural services director.
“We appreciate your patience as we work through this final phase of construction,” she said.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
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