Ocean Beach Pier Reopens After 4-Month Storm Damage Closure

SAN DIEGO -- The Ocean Beach Pier reopened on Friday after strong winter storms forced its temporary closure in January.

The city closed the pier after determining that more than 2,200 feet of guard rail and electric, water and sewer lines needed significant repair or complete replacement. Workers began $309,000 worth of repairs in March, completing the renovations $121,000 under budget, according to the City of San Diego.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer and City Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell, whose district includes Ocean Beach, reopened the pier just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

``It just wouldn't be summer in San Diego without the Ocean Beach Pier so we made getting it fixed and reopened before Memorial Day a top priority,'' Faulconer said.

City officials are in the process of drafting a plan to evaluate and make permanent repairs to the bridge; the plan is due to be released later this year, according to the mayor's office.

The pier opened in 1966 and attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually.

City News Service contributed to this report.