Investigation work set to begin on Gorey Pier

"Intrusive" investigation work is set to get under way at a listed pier after cracks were discovered.

Ports of Jersey said work would begin at Gorey Pier, St Martin, on Tuesday 27 May, subject to planning permission being granted by the Government of Jersey.

A report showed parts of the historic pier were cracked due to a combination of age and the effects of Storm Ciarán in November 2023, with specialist company Terra Firma set to be on site for between four and six weeks.

"Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and complete the work before the peak summer season," a Ports of Jersey spokesperson said.

"These investigations are essential to gather detailed information on the condition of the pier, which will inform the best method for its stabilisation."

A series of trial pits and boreholes would be opened on the pier arm, pier head and the base of the wall on the harbour side but no work would be undertaken along the bulwarks where the restaurants and residences were located, they said.

Following this work, planned repairs include replacing the concrete landing deck, reinforcing the western wall, repairing a stress crack in the pier road and demolishing the terminal building.

The initial investigations work has been timed to coincide with the spring tides, when low tide will go down to 1.35m (4.4ft).

"The challenges of working in a tidal zone mean we are scheduling the digs at low tide to reduce the risk of sea water filling the holes through the pier," the spokesperson said.

They said as the tide comes in, water might need to be pumped out through a filter basket into the harbour.

The work is due to involve intermittent access restrictions for vehicles, parking bays and the public.

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