Considered one of the best fishing spots on the Gulf Coast, Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi is undergoing a huge makeover with demolition in progress. Courtesy photo
Demolition crews start work to make way for new pier
Nearly two years after it was severely damaged by Hurricane Hanna, Bob Hall Pier on North Padre Island is being torn down and rebuilt.
The Nueces County Commissioners Court recently authorized $2.6 million for demolition and reef replacement. Work is underway on the estimated 130-day deconstruction project.
“We are excited to witness the beginning efforts toward the new Bob Hall Pier,” said Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales in a statement.
The pier is owned and operated by Nueces County, which made plans in December 2020 to rebuild it. Part of the money — $18 million — comes from $50 million in certificates of obligation sold in 2021 for Nueces County capital improvement projects.
In October 2021, the Texas General Land Office submitted Bob Hall Pier for funding consideration through the American Rescue Plan Act. The request for $30 million must be approved by the Texas Legislature as part of the proposed Coastal Stimulus Funding Tourism Projects.
Also included in the GLO request was the construction of a living shore at Packery Channel for $2.5 million and work on the Port Aransas Nature Preserve costing $5 million. The Packery Channel funds have been approved.
Public input for the pier rebuild was sought in 2021 via in-person meetings and online surveys. Most of the respondents were in favor of widening the pier to 20 feet from 15.5 feet, adding restrooms and shade, and expanding the angular “T” area at the end of the pier.
“At the completion of the demolition project, the observation deck portion of the pier will remain in place,” Canales said. “Fortunately, this newer construction to the pier can be incorporated into the rebuild phase and maintain a shelf life equal to the future new pier.”
A safety plan was submitted by demolition contractor JM Davidson Ltd. to protect residents and visitors during the deconstruction. The pier has been closed since 2020, but fencing, warning signs, barricades, and flashing lights are now installed. Safety features to address coastal conditions such as high winds, rough seas, and turtle nesting activity have been established.
“The removed concrete will be staged on a floating barge then transported and staged for an offshore reef with all logistics monitored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,” Canales said. “The new reef is a true exercise in turning a local catastrophe into an environmentally friendly project we can all be proud of.”
The original Bob Hall Pier, jutting out 1,240 feet into deep waters, opened on June 17, 1950.
