Embarcadero, Ferry Building Vulnerable To Collapse In Big Earthquake, Study Finds

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- San Francisco's Embarcadero and Ferry Building are vulnerable to collapse in a large earthquake, and it could take billions of dollars to fix it, according to a new study commissioned by the Port.

The structures are built on the edge of landfill, and right on top of the seawall, making them very vulnerable to a large earthquake, according to the $500,000 study.

The study found that the entire seawall could shift significantly enough to render the Embarcadero unusable for traffic.

"We are sitting right on top of basically landfill. The end is nigh; it's all for naught," Gus, who gives tours at the Ferry Building said jokingly.

But the fix is serious, and could include such measures as strengthening the seawall by injecting cement grout into it.

Port of San Francisco directors got report's findings Tuesday.

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• Earthquakes
• Earthquake
• San Francisco