Rendering of completed boat launch upgrade
A rendering of the competed boat launch upgrade. Courtesy Port of San Diego

The Port of San Diego announced Thursday that the popular Shelter Island Boat Launch will reopen to the public on Friday, Dec. 21, after a year-and-a-half-long refurbishing.

The goal of the $9.6 million project was to make California’s busiest boat launch safer and more navigable.

Upgrades include enlarging the maneuvering area in the basin by 80 percent, replacing the worn-out launch ramp, increasing the lengths of the boarding floats, and installing public docks, public walkways, adjacent parking and restroom upgrades to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The contractor is expected to remain on site through January to complete items such as beach grading and general cleanup, but the work is not expected to impact the public’s use of the facility.

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.