Newport News Fishing Piers Construction Update

In March 2026, the City of Newport News released an update on the Hilton and Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park fishing piers, including the steps being taken to replace the structures.

The Hilton Fishing Pier and the fishing pier at Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park were closed in April 2025 after inspections revealed significant deterioration in their supporting timber piles.

Engineering assessments determined that the damage was extensive and that full replacement of the structures is necessary. Short-term repairs would not restore the piers to a safe condition.

The city awarded the design contract for the replacement of both fishing piers in November 2025. Geotechnical investigations are underway and engineers are preparing preliminary plans to support required regulatory approvals.

The project must undergo a Joint Permit Application (JPA) review by state and federal agencies, a process that can take up to 24 weeks.

Geo-tech investigations were initiated in early January 2026, and the JPA was submitted on February 23.

Based on current projections, the city expects to receive the permits in early fall and to advertise the project for construction bids in October 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

Currently, the projected completion dates are:

Hilton Fishing Pier – October 2027
Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park Fishing Pier – June 2028

Environmental regulations that limit in-water construction between February 15 and June 1 could extend these timelines.

The city is also strengthening long-term maintenance practices for waterfront structures by increasing inspection frequency as piers age, expanding engineering review and data collection, and exploring additional protective technologies such as pile wraps or jackets.

Although the Hilton and Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park fishing piers remain closed, residents and visitors still have access to other city piers and waterfront spaces, including King Lincoln Park Pier, King Lincoln Park Wave Screen, James River Fishing Pier (fee applies), and the Denbigh Park Fishing Pier.

source: City of Newport News