CONSTRUCTION work has begun at Albert Pier as Ports of Jersey look to improve its long-term future.
The bankseat, which is at the southern end of the pier and faces St Helier Yacht Club, was originally a linkspan, enabling cars to get on and off ferries when they docked there. It is now used to store navigational buoys that need maintenance.
“It’s time-expired,” Jersey harbourmaster Bill Sadler said, adding that Ports had been planning for its redevelopment for some time.
While construction on the concrete structures joined together by steel pillars will be a “dramatic piece of work”, Mr Sadler said, “it’s not going to be hugely disruptive.”
Water and electricity that runs through the site and to the pontoons have already been rerouted.
The demolition process will take until about Christmas with the following reconstruction expected to be completed around Easter.
While the bridge access to the pontoons will be suspended during the work, those needing access can still do so by the bridge near the RNLI lifeboat station.
The “close to £2m project,” is part of the Ports of Jersey’s continuous infrastructure projects, Mr Sadler said.
The East Berth Linkspan, which accommodates cars and lorries getting onto ferries, will be replaced in a couple of years as it is 30-years-old and approaching the end of its life.
Mr Sadler added: “There’s a lot going on that people don’t see, but it’s all lifeline infrastructure and without it people won’t get fed.”
