There’s a New Attraction on the Outer Banks!

Well, actually it’s almost a half century old, but then again it’s still new.

I’m talking about the Bonner Bridge Pier. It’s now open and it’s becoming a popular place to fish, sightsee, and enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

“This will be a great place to not only fish but also see the Basnight Bridge, the Bodie Island Lighthouse and just get close to the ocean and the inlet,” said Michael Barber, public affairs specialist for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The 1,046-foot concrete structure is a remaining section of the former Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, which was built in 1963 and replaced by the Basnight Bridge, which opened to traffic in 2019 and towers above the pier. The section was intentionally left intact to serve as an observation and fishing pier.

The pier is located next to the south end of the Basnight Bridge.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and North Carolina Department of Transportation worked together to open the pier to the public for recreational use. It will be managed by the National Park Service.

There are still reminders of the pier’s former life. The double yellow traffic lines are still there, as are signs of road repair work. But new railings, and portable rest rooms are reminders of the new life. 

The pier is free to visit but you’ll need a valid North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License to fish from the pier.

There’s more information about the pier on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Bonner Bridge Pier webpage.