Wharf End Interim Repair Project (2025)

2025 Wharf End Interim Repair Project

Prior to December 23, 2024 the City was engaged in the 2024 Wharf Repair Project to replace and repair piles and associated structural elements damaged during prior winter storms. The Project Area extended from Bent 167 to Bent 183. A "bent" is a row of pilings.

The Santa Cruz Wharf experienced a powerful, high-surf event on December 23, 2024, leading to a partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf that affected Bents 167 through 183.

Bents 167 through 171 remained standing after the event, but suffered varying degrees of damage, including missing piles and damage to associated pile caps, stringers and decking.

The City intends to conduct the Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair Project at Bents 167 through 171 to restore that area to its pre-collapse condition and footprint. An existing sea lion viewing hole at this location will be retained. No additional work or improvements to this area are planned at this time.

Repairs are expected to begin on or about October/November 2025 and are expected to be completed by February 2026.

SC Wharf End Interim Repair Project Image

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Project Update 12.15.25

Work is now underway at the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf as part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair project.
The project consists of “capping” or “squaring off” the remaining end of the Wharf resulting in that portion being less susceptible to additional damage.
When complete, the project will restore full public access to the end of the Wharf, and will also provide a new sea lion viewing hole in the Wharf deck.
The work requires expertise and equipment not available to the Wharf crew. The contractor specializes in this type of work and has successfully completed similar projects up and down the west coast.
Work is occurring during the winter months to minimize impacts to nesting birds and Wharf businesses and visitors.
The city has developed an Extreme Weather Protocol which will assist city staff, in consultation with the contractor, in mitigating risks to the Wharf and contractor personnel and equipment (Tony and Mike, please approve this bullet point. Not sure if the EWP is a public document).
Construction is expected to be completed in February 2026 dependent on weather conditions.
An Engineering Assessment was conducted in early 2025 and placed no restrictions on normal use of the Wharf. The Wharf remains open and is safe for the public during construction.