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Planning for New Amenities at Bill Burton State Park

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Timeline of structural safety ​activity at Bill Burton Fishing Pier:

• December 2021: DNR hires EBA Engineering, Inc. to design improvements for the sections of the 1935 bridge that now comprise Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park. During review, the engineers discover structural issues and recommend immediate closure for further analysis. DNR announces that the fishing piers will temporarily close.
  
  
• January 2022: The Board of Public Works approve an extension of EBA Engineering, Inc.’s contract to include an underwater inspection that is conducted by subcontractor Marine Solutions, Inc.
  
  
• February - March 2022: Marine Solutions, Inc. conducts an underwater inspection.
  
  
• April 2022: DNR receives the underwater inspection report and engineering analysis. Staff from the department’s Engineering and Construction Unit and the Maryland Park Service review findings. The engineering analysis estimates cost for repair of the existing structure at $40 to $45 million, nearly twice the cost of demolishing the existing structure and constructing a replacement.
  
  
• May 2022: DNR engages in conversations with community leaders and stakeholders to explore future options that prioritize public safety at this location.
  
  
• June 2022: DNR works with EBA Engineering, Inc. to determine if pedestrian access can be restored to a 270-foot portion of the Dorchester County pier. The section connects to the Dorchester County Visitor Center boardwalk that provides access from the north side of Route 50 to Sailwinds Park. The engineer recommends repairs to damaged posts, sealing the deck slab and sidewalks, and upgrades that include a barrier to prevent access to the pier beyond the improved area.
  
  
• July 2022: DNR crews begin recommended repairs to the 270-foot portion of the Dorchester County pier.
  
  
• October 2022: DNR crews complete the recommended repairs and work with engineers to reopen the 270-foot pedestrian access to the Dorchester County side of the pier that connects with the Visitor Center boardwalk.
  
  
• April 2023: DNR begins to assemble the funding necessary to engage an engineering firm to plan the demolition work on the existing structure.
  
  
• July 2025: With funding now available, DNR and the Department of General Services (DGS) begin work to identify an engineering firm to develop a demolition plan and secure required permits.
  
  
• November 2025: Due to safety concerns, Dorchester County closes the boardwalk to Sailwinds Park until structural evaluations and repairs can be completed by the County. During this time, the small section of the pier that provides access to the boardwalk also closes.
  
  
• April 2026: Working with Governor Wes Moore and Delegate Thomas Hutchinson, DNR secures the first portion of funds required for demolition of the existing structure and the first funding to design a new pier.

Looking ahead: Provided a contract is awarded, it will take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete the engineering plans and secure a construction contractor to carry out the demolition.

DNR is committed to providing safe public fishing access and will inform and engage the public throughout the planning process regarding this location. Given the proximity of the piers to the current driving bridge and the need to protect river access during demolition, this project requires significant engineering and coordination with several other government agencies. We acknowledge that progress is slow and appreciate your patience as we work diligently to move this process forward.

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Office Phone (Harriet Tubman SP): 410-221-2290 Duty Ranger Phone: 443-477-0526 Email us at [email protected] ​​ Talbot County 29761 Bolingbroke Point Drive Trappe, MD 21673 Dorchester County Off of Route 50, at the intersection of Rambler Road & Radiance Drive Cambridge, MD 21613 See Information page for driving directions Limited parking available. Information about additional parking can be found here​​.

The sign that welcomes visitors to Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park. Photo credit: Angela Crenshaw, DNR

Hours

• Talbot Pier: ​Closed​
  
• Dorchester Pier: Closed.
• Talbot Trails & Shoreline: Sunrise-sunset daily.
  

Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park consists of approximately 25 acres of park property, split between Talbot County and Dorchester County, on either side of the Choptank River. The Talbot County side includes about 1 mile of trails and a 1 mile pier, while the Dorchester County side includes a ½ mile pier. The piers are quite popular because of the variety of fish that can be caught including perch, striped bass, croakers, sea trout, and catfish. The pier adjoins Sailwinds Park via the walkway under the bridge. Portable toilets are available on the Talbot County side of the pier.

On July 22, 2009 the Board of Public Works approved re-naming The Choptank River Fishing Pier to Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park in honor of Bill Burton, a reporter, writer, and fisherman who has, for more than 50 years, chronicled outdoor opportunities for Maryland citizens. Mr. Burton was instrumental in preserving the bridge for a fishing pier when the new bridge was constructed.​

The consumption of alcohol at the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park is prohibited. Hunting and swimming are prohibited. All pets must be kept on leashes.

Featured Events

Check back soon​!​

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Information​ Frequently Asked Questions​ Accessibility​ Trail Map​ Park History & About Bill Burton​​ Events​​

Fishing and Crabbing Picnicking Walking and Bicycling Wildlife Observation Jobs/Volunteer Opportunities​

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