Berkeley Waterfront Transportation Pier-Ferry Project

The Berkeley Pier was closed in July 2015 due to visually observed structural problems on the underside of the concrete decking and pilings. The proposed project aims to revitalize the Berkeley Waterfront by developing new dual-purpose pier and ancillary uses that support both public recreation and zero-emission public ferry service. The project would include the following components: demolition of portions of the closed pier, new public pier, new breakwater that provides pedestrian access and recreational amenities, recreational amenities, ferry infrastructure, dredging, new public plaza, improvements to University Avenue and Seawall Drive, a portion of the planned Bay Trail Extension, new landscaping, new wayfinding signage, utility connections, and operation of zero-emission electric passenger ferry service.

Ferries have been used to reach Berkeley from Bay waters ever since the mid-1800’s. The Berkeley Pier (Pier) was originally constructed by the Golden Gate Ferry Company in 1926 as an elevated automobile causeway across the Bay to a ferry landing just north of Treasure Island for trips to San Francisco. In 1937, ferry service was discontinued, and the City operated a portion of the Pier for recreation until 2015, when it was closed to the public due to significant structural deterioration and safety issues. Since its closure in 2015 there has been significant public interest in restoring the Pier for public access and recreation. In addition, the Water Emergency Transportation Authority’s (WETA, a regional public transit agency) 2016 Strategic Plan identified Berkeley as a priority location for new public ferry service on the San Francisco Bay. Public ferry service at this location will provide multiple public benefits, including increased ferry ridership and a reduction in singleuse vehicles, improved emergency response, and expanded public transit linkages to more locations throughout the Bay Area.

Related waterfront projects: WETA Richmond Ferry, Mission Bay Ferry Landing San Francisco, Torpedo Building Treasure Island San Francisco.