Rebuilding a Community Landmark from the Pilings Up

The Grassy Sound Fishing Pier has been part of Cape May County’s coastal identity for decades. Originally constructed in the early 1940s as a vehicular bridge, the structure transitioned into a public fishing pier in the early 2000s. But years of saltwater exposure had taken a serious toll. Our evaluation revealed widespread damage including more than 60 piles with severe section loss and numerous broken supports. Rehabilitation wasn’t going to be enough. We recommended a complete replacement of both the pier and the adjacent failed bulkhead to ensure long-term safety and durability.

The newly reconstructed pier features a T-shaped design with IPE decking supported by steel pipe piles with precast concrete caps and a new steel bulkhead. Improvements include upgraded upland access, full ADA accessibility, and enhanced fishing amenities, all thoughtfully designed to stay within the original footprint and meet environmental and permitting requirements.

Every Discipline, One Project Team

Our team provided a full suite of professional services from start to finish: bathymetric and topographic survey, geotechnical engineering, waterfront and structural engineering, investigations, environmental permitting, bidding support, and complete construction administration and inspection. Funded by Cape May County, the project required the kind of coordinated, multi-disciplinary delivery that keeps a waterfront project moving through regulatory review and construction without losing momentum.

For the anglers, families, and visitors who use this pier, the structure itself is beside the point. What matters is that it’s there, it’s safe, and it’s open. Our job was to make sure that stays true for a long time to come.