DATE: 8/14/2017
ROCKPORT – After consulting Aransas County officials and the Aransas County Navigation District, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) today permanently closed both sides of the Copano Bay Fishing Pier to the public due to the deteriorated condition of the 86-year-old wooden structure.

TxDOT’s Bridge Division performed a structural survey of the pier earlier this month after a short section of the pier’s south side collapsed in June. No one was injured in the incident.

The structural survey found: “Overall, the remaining standing portions of the fishing pier are in significantly distressed condition. The two spans that have collapsed are evidence that the structure can collapse with little notice. It is recommended that the remaining portions remain closed to the pedestrian and vehicular traffic.’’

The navigation district, which operates and maintains the facility, said the boat ramp on the south side will remain open to the public.

The future of the pier will be determined following an environmental study and coordination with state and federal agencies.

Aransas County officials and the navigation district plan to work together to explore options for a replacement pier.

For more information, contact Rickey.Dailey@TxDOT.gov at (361) 808-2544.