DEERFIELD BEACH — The long-awaited opening of the city’s $1.8 million pier will be further delayed because wooden planks on deck are warped and pose a potential hazard.
City Manager Barry Evans said about 35 percent of the planks, which were installed a few weeks ago, are warped and must be repaired or replaced.
“Something has to be done to them,” he said. Evans said he didn’t know how long it would take to correct the problem or when the 920-foot pier would finally be open to the public.
He said the contractor, Durocher Dock & Dredge, was responsible for purchasing the planks and that the city required the wood to be a certain quality.
Evans said the wood used may have been substandard or may have been installed improperly. He said the deck may also have been designed improperly.
The city had the planks inspected by wood experts to determine the cause of the problem. That report is expected to be completed soon.
“Structurally, it’s fine,” Evans said.
He said the warping has left gaps between the planks, which might cause someone to trip and possibly expose the city to a lawsuit.
“There are areas where people could trip if they weren’t careful,” Evans said.
Mayor Jean Robb blamed Evans for the continued pier opening delays, saying the city should have closely inspected the pier as it was being built.
“I hold him responsible,” Robb said.
The pier was originally scheduled to open several weeks ago.
“I can’t say who’s to blame,” Evans said. “I don’t want to blame anyone until we find out what the situation is.”
The pier opening was delayed a few weeks ago because low-level turtle lights were installed improperly and because of concerns by state environmental officials that they might be too bright.
Evans said that problem has been resolved.
