Following University Avenue beyond the highway overpass leads to a peculiar remnant of history. The Berkeley Municipal Pier was originally constructed in 1926 for freight, and extended 3.5 miles into the bay. After more economical transportation was concocted, the pier was converted to recreational use, and largely left to decay. Now only the first half mile of the pier is maintained, and the remainder serves as a reminder of the past, and a sanctuary for sea-faring birds.