The California Coastal Commission has approved the construction of a massive seawall along San Francisco's coastline, marking a significant step in protecting the city's infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.

Spanning 3,200 feet, the seawall will be one of the largest construction projects in the state's history, with an estimated cost of $175 million. According to a report by Construction Briefing, the goal of the seawall is to shield the shoreline from damage caused by rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

The proposal was put forward by San Francisco’s Public Utilities Commission amid concerns that global warming could lead to increased sea levels and erosion, threatening vital infrastructure along the coast.

Protecting Vital Infrastructure

One of the most critical assets that the seawall aims to protect is the Lake Merced Tunnel, which runs along the city's coastline and serves as a key part of San Francisco's drainage system.

Construction Details

The wall will be constructed along San Francisco's Ocean Beach, necessitating the removal of rubble and temporary rock barriers currently in place. According to Construction Briefing, the project will also involve widening the shoreline by over 20 meters.

Once the seawall is finished, regular maintenance will be required, including sand replenishment, which is expected to cost around $1 million per application.

Impact on Public Access

To make room for the construction, city officials plan to permanently close a section of the Great Highway, a road that stretches for nearly four miles along Ocean Beach. These closures will also affect public trails and pedestrian access to the beach.

Controversy Over the Seawall

While the project has received approval, it has faced opposition from the Surfrider Foundation, which argues that the seawall's construction will restrict public access to the coast and encourage further development along the shoreline.

Mandy Sackett, Surfrider's California Policy Coordinator, expressed disappointment over the decision, telling The Inertia: “We're pretty disappointed. I think the Coastal Commission was put in a really difficult position. But the fact is, every time a seawall is approved it increases the likelihood that more seawalls will be approved and the more we guarantee the loss of our beaches."