The reconstruction of Naples Pier is proceeding, and will shortly go to bid. What to know:

Though there is still much to be done, the plans to reconstruct the Naples Pier are still on track.

On Tuesday, the multimillion-dollar project’s status was reported to City Council; the design drawings are now almost all finished, according to a recent article by Laura Layden of the Naples Daily News.

After Hurricane Ian devastated the pier, it will be rebuilt stronger, taller, and with more sitting and shaded areas to enjoy the views of the Gulf.

From the quick update given at a workshop, you should be aware of the following:

What happens next?
To make sure the project is eligible for payment, the city is creating the bid documentation in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s criteria. The reimbursement for the Ian-related qualified construction components may reach 90%.

The project’s potential cost, including contingencies, is $22.5 million, according to the engineers’ most recent projections.

When will the work begin?
How quickly a contractor is hired will determine when construction begins. Soon after the project is put out to bid, a contractor ought to be appointed.

Engineers are determining the anticipated timeline, which will be in the bid materials.

What will the construction process look like?
The pier will be closed to the public during construction, including the bathrooms. The southern entrance to the beach will be inaccessible, and traffic on 12th Avenue South, west of Gulf Shore Boulevard, will be prohibited except for those who use it to access and exit their driveways.

In order to allow homeowners and other guests to continue walking around the building site and from one side of the beach to the other, a walk-through is being planned.

How about parking near the beach?
Parts of the Naples Pier parking lot on 12th Avenue South could be used as a lay-down site for construction or as a place to store supplies and equipment. If so, the city will investigate where extra public parking might be available.

The director of parks, recreation, and facilities for the city, Chad Merritt, informed the council that the project may require more work than they may have anticipated. Although the temporary closure of the pier will cost the city money, the contractor may save money and time by using the parking lot for staging.

“I’m ready for the project to get underway, just like everybody else is,” he stated. “It does take a process, and we want to make sure everything is done right.”

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News