NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Two fishing piers in Newport News that closed last year due to safety concerns are not expected to reopen until fall 2027 and summer 2028, the city has announced.
The Hilton Fishing Pier and the Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park Fishing Pier closed in April 2025 after inspections revealed significant deterioration in their supporting timber piles, the city said. Assessments determined short-term repairs would not render the piers safe, and full replacement was deemed necessary.
The city awarded a design contract for the replacement of both piers in November. Plans are now being prepared for the regulatory approvals required by state and federal agencies. The city expects to receive the permits this fall and advertise the project for construction bids…