JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Beach Pier is getting closer to partially reopening, nearly a year and a half after Hurricane Matthew pummeled the iconic beach landmark.
Half of the pier is set to reopen in April, according to city documents obtained by First Coast News.
Crews working on the pier Monday told First Coast News they’ve finished repaneling and railing half of the original length of the pier. However, the back half isn’t yet structurally sound for crews to begin work, one of the workers said.
The new railings include recessed portions, which will allow people in wheelchairs to fish from the pier, according to the worker.
A City of Jacksonville representative said the budget to replace the deck and guardrail in the front portion of the pier is $1.13 million. There is no timeline or information yet for the remaining portion of the pier.
First Coast News also checked on the status of the St. Augustine Beach Pier following Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. A county representative said the pier sustained minor damage during both hurricanes and was repaired and reopened within 60 days of each. After Hurricane Matthew, the county spent $2,500 to repair the pier. The county spent an additional $18,000 following Hurricane Irma.