Santa Cruz Port Authority Closes Valleseco Piers Due to Structural Damage

The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has closed access to the Cory and Playa de la Alemana piers in Valleseco after a safety inspection revealed serious structural damage. The closure is a precautionary measure to protect the public from the risks posed by the current state of the piers.

An assessment conducted by the maintenance department earlier this month found significant decay in the structures. At the Cory pier, inspectors discovered that at least two lateral beams are missing and anchor points are severely worn. The Playa de la Alemana pier is in even worse condition, with broken steel tie rods and missing wooden decking, damage that has been worsened by recent storms.

This deterioration is a result of the harsh marine environment. Because these piers are located in the intertidal zone, they are constantly exposed to saltwater and changing tides. This cycle of wetting and drying, combined with salt corrosion, causes materials—especially wood—to break down quickly without ongoing maintenance.

Access to the piers will remain restricted indefinitely. The Port Authority is now commissioning a detailed engineering report to decide whether the structures can be repaired or if more extensive work is needed to ensure the safety of the Valleseco waterfront.