On Wednesday, Charleston County Parks announced that it is replacing the 1,045-foot-long Folly Beach pier as it “reaches the end of its useful life.” Constructed in 1995, the 24-year-old pier is currently deteriorating due to marine boring worms (a.k.a. shipworms) in its wooden piles.
In a press release, the parks commission notes that the pier is still safe for visitors, and will continue to host events like moonlight mixers and fishing tournaments through September of this year. CCPRC says they’re currently in the permitting phrase so the timeline for construction is variable — construction could begin as early as later this year or as late as next fall.
Once construction on the new pier starts, the walkway portion of the pier will be closed for 18-22 months. Pier 101 restaurant, the Folly Pier gift shop, and restroom facilities are expected to remain open for normal operations. The design of the new pier is still being finalized and will be shared with the public in the “near future.”
Apparently pier deterioration is pretty normal: “Wooden timber pile piers typically have an average life expectancy of 20-25 years.”
Stay up-to-date with construction at ccprc.com.
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