University of Wisconsin-Madison to install new and stronger pier after last year's collapse
When a University of Wisconsin-Madison pier collapsed last year, the cause seemed pretty simple: There were too many people on the structure at the time.
But a newly released investigative report found overcapacity was not the cause of the Labor Day collapse that plunged dozens of people into Lake Mendota. Rather, the report indicated people on the pier were jumping and introducing too much strain on the pier, causing it to crumple.
UW-Madison released the report Friday and announced plans to install a new, stronger swimming pier in June.
Here's what the investigation found:
What was the pier's capacity?
The report estimated about 80 people were on the pier at the time. The Sept. 4 event was the second time a Memorial Union pier had collapsed in 20 years.
Capacity information wasn't posted on that day but was later found to be 120 people, UW-Madison spokesperson John Lucas said.
Why did the pier collapse?
Some pier-users engaged in "hazardous or disruptive behavior," such as jumping or side-to-side movement, that subjected the structure to more strain and swaying that it was designed to bear, according to the report.
That's despite Wisconsin Union staff repeatedly warning people to stop jumping, including just 10 minutes before the collapse, the report said. Those on the pier largely ignored the warnings.
What other concerns did the report raise?
The structural condition of the pier was unknown at the time of the collapse. The university maintained no inspection documentation.
Lifeguards were on duty earlier in the day but not at the time of the collapse because of a confusion in communications. Signs indicated no lifeguard was on duty.
There were no procedures in place to monitor or enforce capacity limits. No barrier, such as a gate, restricted pier access or limited occupancy.
The report also faulted the pier's design. Each 6-by-8-foot section shouldn't have exceeded 1,920 pounds, but each section could fit more than 10 people each weighing 200 pounds, making it possible to significantly exceed the load limit.
How many people were injured?
About 20 people sustained minor injuries, mostly scrapes and cuts.
One person was taken to the hospital out of concern the event exacerbated a previous injury, the report said. Another went to urgent care for torn tendons related to their foot being trapped during the collapse.
How old was the pier?
Vendor DL Anderson first installed the pier in spring 2013. The vendor removed and re-installed it at the beginning and end of every season.
What did the collapse cost?
UW-Madison submitted a property claim for the damaged pier, the report said. The state Department of Administration Bureau of State Risk Management denied it on the basis that piers are no longer covered.
Claims filed by those on the pier for damage to personal items were also denied because the state determined no negligence on the part of UW-Madison. The Wisconsin Union reviewed coverage for personal items on a case-by-case basis.
How will the new pier differ?
The new pier will cost $160,000. It will be able to withstand greater strain, have a lockable entrance gate and a maximum capacity sign, according to UW-Madison.
The new pier's capacity wasn't available Friday but will be available when the early June installation date nears, Lucas said.
What else is changing?
UW-Madison is assessing other recommendations the report made, including:
Improving the communications process between Wisconsin Union staff, lifeguards and police
Developing a plan to manage capacity and discourage bad pier behavior, and train staff on the plan
Maintaining an accurate log of pier condition reports
Installing more secure signage that would prevent people from altering “open/closed” pier signs
“We’re looking forward to a safe and fun lake swimming season in 2024,” Wisconsin Union director Mark Guthier said in a statement. “We’re glad the pier is an integral part of our student and community experience and need everyone’s help to make it as safe as possible for the future.”
Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at kmeyerhofer@gannett.comor 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What UW-Madison investigation into collapsed pier found
