LEWES – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Planning, Preservation and Development Section today announced the temporary closure of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier for replacement of aging decking boards starting on Monday, Jan. 25.
Last year, the Division completed repairs to 125 pilings that had deteriorated and needed refitting and reinforcement. This upcoming project is the second phase of the most extensive repairs ever made to the popular pier, and will include decking and superstructure repairs costing $535,370.
The all-wooden pier was built during World War II by the U.S. Army as a mining wharf. Several rehabilitative efforts have been undertaken since 2007 to the pilings beneath the section of the pier that remains open for public use. The T-head portion of the pier was demolished in 2012 after its deteriorated condition was thought to pose a threat to safety and navigation. The Division of Parks & Recreation has been closely monitoring the condition of the pier since that time and has noticed an accelerated rate of deterioration in the structure.
The project to repair the pier is being funded through a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sport Fishing Restoration grant along with park user fees and annual pass funds, and support from state legislators – Reps. Peter Schwartzkopf, Timothy Dukes and Stephen Smyk, and State Sen. Ernesto Lopez, Division Director Ray Bivens said.
The fishing pier decking repair is expected to take up to120 days to complete depending on weather conditions. For questions about the status of the project, please contact Cindy Todd with Delaware State Parks, at 302-739-9209.
Media Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Vol. 46, No. 21