The Sebastian Inlet jetty is now nearly 80 years old.  Although it has been refurbished and extended over the years, it is now considered unsafe in spots.  The last 80 feet of the pier has been closed since Hurricane Floyd wreaked havoc on the East Coast in Fall of 1999.

Bridge Design Associates, Inc. was retained to review the available information regarding the existing North Jetty Fishing Pier, and to recommend possible alternatives to repair or replace the existing structure, and determine probable costs of construction for the various options.

Bridge Design Associates, Inc. has reviewed an extensive report prepared for the Sebastian Inlet Tax District by Underwater Engineering Inspection and Specialty Services and an additional report prepared for Florida Department of Environmental Protection by David C. Jones, P.E.  Both reports identify critical amounts of deterioration of the existing foundation piling, crib piling, and superstructure components including the concrete supporting beams and metal grating for the crib deck openings.

Based on the information contained in these reports, the conclusion was to minimize the use of the existing pier superstructure and explore options which could minimize the disruption of the existing crib portion of the jetty but create a safe platform for recreation on the fishing pier.

The initial focus has been on three options:
 

Option One	Remove the existing fishing superstructure and replace it with a new structure.
Option Two	Remove portions of the existing superstructure and integrate the remaining portions into the new structure.
Option Three	Construct a new structure around the existing structure minimizing demolition of the existing structure as much as possible.

    In Option One, the existing superstructure including the beam, grating and handrails would be removed.  The vertical crib piling and southern side batter piles would be saw cut to the top of the existing rock rubble in the crib and adjacent to the batter piles.  The demolition process would have to start at the easternmost end of the jetty and progress westerly.  The contractor could chose to remove portions of the jetty from the water utilizing barges, but the work schedule would be dictated by ocean conditions.  It is anticipated that the contractor would have to secure the existing structure enough to place a crane on the existing structure to aid in the demolition.  Once the existing structure is removed, the contractor could begin the rebuilding process work from the western section and progress easterly.  In order to install the new substructure piling, some of the existing slope and rock rubble would have to be temporarily relocated.  This process would have to be done in relatively small increments in order to maintain the integrity of the jetty crib.  Once the new piling and superstructure are completed, additional stone would have to be added to the crib due to the proposed increased width.

Option Two

    The thought process for Option Two was to remove only the superstructure beams, grating, and handrails.  The existing piles would be left in place.  During the review of this option with contractors, they viewed Options One and Two as essentially the same.  The major difference was only where they were required to cut the existing piling, at the top near the superstructure or at the rock rubble line.  The additional piling debris was negligible in the cost analysis.  The description of the building process is basically the same as Option One.

Option Three

    The focus of Option Three was to eliminate as much of the demolition as possible.  By reducing the demolition, three items were accomplished.  The crib and jetty remain in stable condition with little risk to the integrity during the construction process.  The time to construct would be reduced by at least one-third.  An there would be a substantial cost savings.  In Option Three, the contractors anticipate constructing the new pier from itself which eliminates the need to secure the existing structure.

    In all of the proposed options, the pier deck area has been increased from 16' 6" to 21' 4" which will provide a safer useable area for the fishermen.  Option Three, because of the reduced cost and less disruption to the existing jetty, would appear to be the best option.

Currently, the last 80 feet of the structure is closed to the public due to unsafe conditions.

On October 5, 2000 I was lucky enough to be present (with a digital camera!) when the FIT weather station was being serviced.