The city of Encinitas has announced that city crews have completed emergency structural work on the D Street beach access staircase.
The city will soon begin a similar project with the Grandview beach staircase.
The D Street staircase was closed last year when inspectors found major structural problems. Work on the $1 million project included fabrication and installation of custom steel brackets to reinforce structural connections, repairs to deteriorated components, and electrical and lighting improvements to enhance safety and usability, a city statement said.
The budget for the project included design, permitting, and construction.
“We understand that access to our beaches is both a cherished part of coastal life and vital for recreation,” said Encinitas city engineer Dan Nutter. “These improvements help ensure long-term safety and enjoyment for residents and visitors.”
The D Street staircase was originally built in 1989 and renovated once in 2002. The staircase is the most “structurally complex” beach access point in Encinitas, and consists of multiple timber stair towers and concrete walkways descending the coastal bluff, the city statement said.
On Feb. 3, the city will close the Grandview Beach staircase for refurbishment work, with the project likely extending until Memorial Day.
(photo: City Of Encinitas)