SANTA CRUZ – After completing a structural assessment of the Santa Cruz Wharf on Dec. 23 after about 150 feet of the structure's south end collapsed into the ocean, the town of Santa Cruz announced Thursday afternoon that the wharf was structurally sound and reopened could change into a public Saturday.
According to the town's release, the Wharf is deemed secure to reopen based on a recently accomplished sonar and engineering assessment conducted by engineering firm Moffatt and Nichol.
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“Moffat and Nichol were unable to identify any damage to the Wharf's structural capacity outside the area affected by the storm damage and found it to be at the same strength as before the storm,” Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Director Tony Elliot said. in an announcement. “Arches (substructures) 169, 170 and 171 have some damage and this is the narrower portion that remains at the very end of the wharf and is cordoned off.”
A sonar survey of the seabed revealed that the heavy equipment that fell into the ocean together with the south end of the wharf is at a secure distance from the structure and poses no threat.
“Port contractor Power Engineering Construction worked with Pioneer to conduct a marine sonar scan to locate the heavy equipment that fell into the ocean on December 23,” Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker said in an announcement. “The three pieces of heavy equipment were successfully located. A boat washed up on the beach has been secured and the crane and a skid steer are currently in the sea a safe distance from the wharf and will be marked with a buoy tomorrow to alert others to the locations.”
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To have a good time the reopening, the town will host a ceremony at 10 a.m. on the Wharf Stage Area. The ceremony is public and can include statements from Santa Cruz city leadership. Please note that vehicle traffic shouldn’t be permitted beyond Marini's Candies and access to Stagnaro's is restricted to pedestrians only.
“We understand that Wharf business owners are anxious to resume operations for the public,” said City of Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. “Please join us for the reopening ceremony to support our local businesses during these challenging times. Let’s work together to keep Santa Cruz businesses strong.”
For more information and updates, see The city's social media page.
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