Demolition crews began removing burned structures from the end of Oceanside Pier on Wednesday, Oct. 23, as part of an ongoing effort to rehabilitate the structure after a blaze last spring.
The former Ruby’s Diner, Brine Box Bait Shop and damaged planking are currently being removed by contractor Jilk Heavy Construction, according to the city. After those elements are taken down, crews will remove utilities, a sewer lift system and grease trap.
The current phase of debris removal is expected to wrap up by December.
An April 25 fire burned the west end of the pier. Firefighters limited the damage to the area where the restaurant and bait shop were located. The city was able to open the undamaged length of the pier on May 10, although there have been occasional closures as the structure undergoes repairs.
The city’s pier status website states that the investigation remains ongoing and that an update is anticipated soon. No evidence of arson has been found, according to the city.
Once the debris removal process is complete after December, engineers will assess the state of the pier’s west-end pilings, and the city will seek permits for reconstruction. The restaurant space’s leaseholder plans to rebuild the structure using the same footprint as the previous building.
Oceanside posts updates about the pier project at ci.oceanside.ca.us/Home/Components/News/News/433/14.
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Crews prepare to begin removal of the burned-out Brine Box bait shop at the Oceanside Pier on Oct. 23. (Oceanside city photo)
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Crews dismantle the the former site of the former Ruby’s Diner at the Oceanside Pier on Oct. 23. The building was destroyed by fire in April. (Oceanside city photo)
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