A defunct causeway threatening coastal Texas is about to transform into a thriving underwater habitat, officials announced this week.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., has launched the Old Queen Isabella Causeway Demolition and Artificial Reef Building Project at South Padre Island, which will convert the deteriorating bridge structure into one of the state’s largest artificial reefs. The $9.2 million project, already underway, will place reef materials approximately 10 miles offshore from the Brownsville Ship Channel entrance jetties, with completion expected by April 2026.
From Hazard to Habitat
“As a Texan who grew up near the coast and lived there for over a decade, I am committed to protecting the people and wildlife life who call our beautiful coast home,” Buckingham stated. “I am thrilled to begin work on this project, which will utilize material from the defunct and hazardous Old Queen Isabella Causeway to create one of Texas’s most extensive artificial reefs.”
The project involves removing concrete pile caps, pilings, railings, and deck spans from the existing causeway. Rather than simply disposing of these materials, they’ll be strategically placed offshore to create a submerged habitat that should quickly attract marine life, as documented in the project specifications.
Why turn old bridge parts into fish homes? Artificial reefs create complex structures that attract diverse marine organisms, from coral and small invertebrates to game fish sought by recreational anglers. These structures effectively transform relatively barren seafloor into productive ecosystems.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The ambitious undertaking represents years of planning across multiple government divisions. “The commencement of this project represents the culmination of a multi-year coordinated effort across several GLO divisions, including Coastal Resources, Construction Services, Asset Management, and General Counsel,” officials explained.
AECOM Technical Services, Inc. has been involved since 2021, providing engineering expertise. The construction contract was awarded to Callan Marine LTD in May 2025, with demolition already in progress. “This milestone project is a testament to Callan Marine’s leadership in marine demolition services,” the company noted in their recent newsletter.
Once completed, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Artificial Reef Program will manage the site, adding to the state’s growing network of artificial reefs that support both conservation and recreation.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The project aims to deliver multiple benefits beyond simply removing a hazardous structure. “By completing this project, the GLO will remove a threat to public safety, provide essential habitat to marine life, help enhance biodiversity in the area, and support South Padre Island’s recreational fishing,” according to the official announcement.
South Padre Island, already a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and tourists, stands to gain additional recreational opportunities once the reef is established. The total project cost of approximately $9,229,834.20 represents a significant investment in both environmental protection and economic development for the region.
Buckingham, who has made coastal protection a priority during her tenure, emphasized the lasting impact of the project: “Together, we will create new fishing habitat for future Texans to enjoy.”
