ANNA MARIA – A damaged boom line on i+iconSoutheast’s barge-mounted crane has delayed the repairs to the new Anna Maria City Pier.
The repairs are required in the wake of the construction company barge crashing into the pier walkway on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
On Friday, Sept 20, i+iconSoutheast Project Director Paul Johnson informed Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy of the latest delay.
“During the crane inspection a damaged section of boom line was discovered. The crane and barge will be demobilized to have new boom line installed on Saturday at an offsite location with the goal of getting back to Anna Maria on Monday. We will then continue with the repairs,” Johnson stated in his email to Murphy.
On Sept. 16, Murphy emailed city commissioners a copy of the preliminary report submitted by the scuba team that conducted an underwater inspection of the damage caused by the barge accident. Murphy’s email noted the divers’ report indicated the underwater damage was limited to the two pier pilings previously identified.
The damaged pilings were removed on Thursday, Sept. 19. The new pilings will be installed after the crane repairs are completed and the crane is back in place. Murphy said once the new pilings are driven, the damaged support beam, stringers and utility conduits can then be replaced.
Murphy said Mason Martin Builders’ construction of the new restaurant, bait shop and restrooms at the pier’s T-end remains on hold until the breech in the pier walkway is repaired.
Murphy said he and Mason Martin Builders’ owner Frank Agnelli agree that it would not be safe to have his employees working out on the T-end without the pier walkway being fully accessible in the event of an injury or emergency.
“Every day that ticks along is delaying the grand opening,” Murphy said of the anticipated pier opening in early 2020.
