A staple in San Diego, the OB (Ocean Beach) Pier, at 57 years old, is finally getting a replacement. This is great news to beachgoers, tourists, fishermen and fisherwomen, street (er, pier) artists, and seagulls alike!

First, a little background. The OB Pier first opened on July 2, 1966. Conceived as a sportfishing pier, the facility enables the public to access and interact with the ocean. The pier has been temporarily closed several times in recent years due to damage suffered in storms and high surf. In 2023, the pier was closed from January to July, reopening just in time for its 57th anniversary. But high surf in October damaged the pier and forced it to close again. The pier will remain closed into 2024 because of the potential for additional structural impairment during the winter storm season. 

A 2018 study by consultant Moffatt & Nichol examined the damage and deterioration of the structure and analyzed three options for the future of the pier: repair, rehabilitate or replace. The study documented various structural problems with the pier and determined that it had reached the end of its service life.

So, what is the plan? The city is working with Moffatt & Nichol to design the preferred alternative for the potential replacement of the pier based on input from San Diegans, community impacts, environmental permitting, sustainability, operational usage, cost, historical significance and other factors. The city will host a series of upcoming community workshops to share information about the project and gather input from community members. 

Reality check: Before any demolition or construction begins, the project needs environmental reviews and permitting, which could take two years. 

The city plans to start building the new pier by 2026, according to the Union Tribune. Currently, there is $8.4 million in state funding designated for the project and the city will pursue other state and federal grants.