Two new fishing piers should be taking shape along the horizon this season as both the Cape May County Board of Commissioners and Long Branch City Council have helped pave the way for pier construction in 2026.
At the December 16th Commissioners meeting, the Cape May County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 676-25, authorizing the execution of a Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Wildwood Crest to support the Heather Road Fishing Pier Replacement and Expansion Project. With total estimated project costs of $7.37 million, the County approved a funding contribution not to exceed $2.5 million through the Cape May County Open Space Program.
The project will fully reconstruct and significantly expand the existing Heather Road Fishing Pier, which has become landlocked, no longer reaching the ocean due to years of sand accretion. The new design will extend the pier approximately 1,250 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, restoring its function as a true fishing pier while enhancing public access, safety, and accessibility.
According to the approved project application, the reconstructed pier will be widened to 12 feet, elevated to accommodate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NJDEP dune system and emergency public safety vehicles, and designed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. A widened terminal “bump-out” area will provide additional space for fishermen, sightseers, and visitors, while separating fishing activity from pedestrian use. The project also includes new decking, lighting, benches, water stations, interpretive signage, and other public amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience and long-term durability of the structure.
“This is exactly the type of project the Cape May County Open Space Program was created to support,” said Commission Director Len Desiderio, adding “The Heather Road Fishing Pier will once again serve residents and visitors as a true recreational fishing and sightseeing destination while improving accessibility, safety, and resilience along our coastline.” Completion of the Heather Road Fishing Pier is expected this summer.
On February 3, the Long Branch City Council awarded the construction contract for the new Long Branch Pier, marking a major milestone to restore this iconic waterfront landmark. The bid was awarded to New Jersey based JT Cleary, a premier marine contractor with extensive experience on large, high-profile projects along the East Coast. Mobilization and construction will start in 60 days with an estimated twelve-to-eighteen-month completion timetable.
The pier will extend 550 feet from the existing boardwalk and will be 20-foot in width. A large decorative archway will adorn the entrance. The end of the pier will be T-shaped with an 80-foot length, with a dramatic 40-foot wide octagonal seating area featured at the mid-point of the structure.
According to a Long Branch City Council statement, the Long Branch pier will be the state’s first fully accessible fishing and pedestrian pier. Features will include accessible railings, seating areas, full lighting, water access for anglers, and utility tables. Benches and a central seating area will allow visitors to relax and enjoy ocean views, while vending machines will offer fishing supplies. A small kiosk providing light refreshments, such as ice cream, is also planned.
Long Branch’s piers rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the city was one of America’s most fashionable seaside resorts, drawing presidents, industrialists, and vacationers from New York and Philadelphia. Over the years, several wooden and iron piers lined the shoreline, serving as promenades, entertainment centers, and docking points for excursion boats.
These structures played a central role in the city’s resort-era identity until the last remaining pier – standing for more than 75 years – was destroyed by fire in 1987. The new project represents a significant step toward restoring that historic legacy.
“For many residents and visitors alike, the pier is an iconic symbol of historic Long Branch,” said Long Branch mayor John Pallone, adding “The new pier will include historic design elements that give a nod to the original structure, while incorporating modern standards for safety, durability, and maximum resiliency.”
“Construction will begin before the start of the summer season,” said Council President Anita Voogt in February, adding “Additional details will be released in the coming months, and upon completion, the City plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this long-awaited addition to our waterfront.”
