The Port of Los Angeles will have to add and swap out some materials for the “tidal steps,” an architectural feature in the promenade section of the new, and still-under-construction, Wilmington Waterfront.
The waterfront is being done in phases.
The changes to the tidal steps will add $1.7 million in costs and has delayed when the work can begin.
The LA harbor commission approved the tidal steps in 2020 at a cost of $57.1 million. The commission OK’d the changes on Thursday, June 22.
The change came when erosion and deterioration was discovered in front of tidal stones at Berths 184-185.
Before starting the installation of tidal steps, which are designed only as an architectural feature and not for public access, staffers performed survey work that revealed the western half of the water’s edge slope had eroded, requiring additional stabilization and riprap rock to be installed. Riprap rock is a material that protects against erosion.
The tidal steps were to be made using Mexican onyx stone but the contractor determined it could not be cut to the required finish, creating an issue in placing the stones next to each other with a uniform gap.
An alternative, Arizona onyx, was found to be comparable and will be used instead.
The complications put the tidal step installation on hold, as the port waits for permit approval form the Army Corps of Engineers. That is anticipated to be complete by Aug. 31.
This section of the waterfront development will include a waterfront promenade, restrooms, a public pier, play area, a realigned Water Street, a public plaza and public dock, parking, and the reconstruction of the seawall. The area is anticipated to be open sometime later this year.
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