Fishing Pier Near Ocean City-Longport Bridge To Receive Renovation

A 500-foot fishing pier along the Great Egg Harbor Inlet in Ocean City is undergoing a nearly $700,000 facelift.

Established in 2002 when the Ocean City-Longport Bridge opened, the pier is popular for bay and marshland views. Features of the pier, however, have seen better days, with rotted railings, damaged benches, and worn trash cans and deck.

To improve the pier, the Cape May County Bridge Commission has awarded a $668,300 contract to Walters Marine Construction Inc. According to an OCNJDaily.com report, it was the second time the bridge commission went out to bid for the project. The commission rejected the first round of bids last year when they came in substantially higher. At that time, the lowest bid was $769,200.

A revamped pier and entrance area will feature new wood railings, plastic benches, picnic tables, fencing, trash receptacles, portable toilets, and updated fish-cleaning stations. Cosmetic and structural improvements will include concrete deck repairs and replacing the pier's compression seal. 

Kevin Lare, executive director of the Cape May County Bridge Commission, told OCNJDaily.com that the idea is to create “quality opportunities not only for fishing and crabbing, but also opportunities for families and friends to have a nice picnic and enjoy the views.”

Officials aim to finish the project before Memorial Day to align with the start of the busy summer tourism season.