Officials to close 3 levels of Ventura Pier parking structure

Concerns over corrosion in a stairwell are shutting the top three levels of the Ventura Pier parking structure on Harbor Boulevard starting on Tuesday.

City of Ventura officials announced the closure Friday afternoon. There is no estimate for how long the closure will be in effect, said Heather Sumagaysay, the city's public information officer, in a text.

Barbara McCormack, facilities manager with the city's Public Works Department, said in a statement a stairwell and levels 3, 4 and 5 of the structure would be closed "out of an abundance of caution" until repairs can be made to the stairwell.

A recent structural analysis indicated there was steel and concrete corrosion in the southwest stairwell closest to the pier. The five-level parking structure was built in 1972 and overall remains in "moderate condition," according to the city's release.

Due to closure of the southwest stairwell, three floors of the parking lot were also being shut as part of the exit plan to ensure pedestrian safety, Sumagaysay said.

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During the repair work, approximately 170 parking spaces on the lower levels will still be available.

Sumagaysay said the structural analysis began in 2019 and was completed in 2021.

The last analysis was done in 2011, she said. The city conducts regular annual inspections that include looking at the structural system as part of preventive maintenance.

Signage and fencing-off of the affected portion will likely start Tuesday or Wednesday, after the long Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The beachfront parking lot provides easy access to the popular pier and promenade areas.

Additional parking is available at Lot C of San Buenaventura State Beach at 1601 Harbor Blvd. and at the city's downtown parking garage at 522 E. Santa Clara Ave.

Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Beachfront parking structure at Ventura Pier to partially close