Funds Authorized for Breakwall Repair

The Redondo Beach City Council authorized the appropriation of $300,000 from the Tidelands Fund to pay for repairs to the Galveston Wall, which sits atop the Redondo Breakwall.

The concrete gravity wall, which was constructed in the early 1960s, was damaged during a storm surge in mid-February, according to a city report. The wave action was so strong that loose concrete pieces were found nearly 20 feet away from the wall, and it collapsed in a couple of places.

"The storm damage in February (alerted) us that there could be more damage that we don't know of," said City Engineer Steve Huang on Tuesday.

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Though the repairs are estimated to cost $96,500, Huang requested extra money to cover the cost of reinforcing the wall and any additional repairs that might be required during construction.

"We want to make sure that once we mobilize there, we're able to effect all the necessary repairs as soon as possible," said Assistant City Manager Peter Grant.

The Galveston Wall, which lies on the northern side of King Harbor, is more than 1,000 feet long and stands more than 7 feet tall. It acts as a wave barrier to keep "violent oceanic currents" from entering the harbor, according to the report. Over the years, a combination of pounding waves, concrete aging and continuous exposure to salt water have caused parts of the wall to deteriorate.

To repair the wall, workers will use a jackhammer to remove the 4-inch concrete cover across the entire wall. They will add more steel reinforcements, install a Gunnite surface and coat it with a waterproofing agent.

Any funds not used of the $300,000 will be returned to the Tidelands Fund.