LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) — The Jim Simpson Pier in Long Beach could reopen by the end of September, more than six years after Hurricane Zeta ripped it apart in 2020.
Work is underway to restore the Gulf Coast landmark along Highway 90. While the project is led by Harrison County, Long Beach city officials said they are grateful for the progress being made for residents, visitors, fishermen and families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Mayor Tim Pierce said the contractor is moving at full force on the structure.
“We work together with the county like we always do, and we want this to be a priority,” Pierce said. “Get this pier open. So, in talking to the contractor the other day, he’s full force on the pier. As you can see, they’re almost three-quarters of the way down. If everything goes right, the weather’s good, we’re probably talking five to six weeks until we can open up the pier. So, I’m very happy and excited to see where we are today, knowing that very shortly we’re going to be opening.”
The pier is estimated to be completed in five to six weeks.
Long Beach crews replacing handrails at Harper McCaughan Town Green
Separately, crews are working to replace existing handrails throughout the Harper McCaughan Town Green. The handrails have experienced significant rust and deterioration, with portions beginning to break apart.
The city is asking residents to use caution around work areas while improvements are underway.(WLOX)
The project is funded through a Parks and Recreation grant. Community Affairs Director Courtney Cuevas said the Board of Aldermen approved the funding.
“We have noticed that some areas needed to be updated and restored, such as the rails,” Cuevas said. “We have seen some safety issues with them. With the Board of Aldermen’s approval, we were able to fund getting brand new rails through the Long Beach Parks and Recreation grant that we were funded through with our representative Richard Bennett from the state of Mississippi. So we are just happy to be able to restore this area so that way it’s continued for many more years of use.”
The handrail project is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Additional upgrades to the town green, including the stage and bleachers, are also planned.
The city is asking residents to use caution around work areas while improvements are underway.
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