Harper pier getting braces

The Port of Bremerton is moving forward this week with plans for a temporary fix for rotten pilings that have closed the Harper Public Fishing Pier for more than a month, according to Director of Marine Facilities Steve Slaton.

Slaton said the port is beginning the permitting process for the work, mapped out by the engineering firm Petrovich, Nottingham and Drage (PND), which will reinforce several deteriorated wooden pilings with steel beams.

An inspection of the pier late last year revealed there were enough weakened pilings, or support beams, under the pier to raise concerns about public safety.

Slaton said the added steel beams will bypass the rotted beams and distribute the weight of the pier among the stronger beams.

Before the work can begin, Slaton said the port will need approval from the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and Kitsap County.

“Since the work is all above the water, and it is repair work, not new construction, the process should go fairly quickly,” he said, explaining that the port already has a permit with the county allowing repair work on the pier.

Slaton said once the permit process is complete, the port will begin accepting bids on the short-term fix. Once that work is underway, he said his staff will begin investigating options for more permanent repairs.

The pier, popular with fishermen, divers and walkers, has been closed since Dec.. 15.

Although Slaton said he could not estimate when the pier might reopen, he said once the permitting process is completed, the repairs should take “a matter of weeks.”

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