Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced on Tuesday the demolition of the Old Queen Isabella Causeway at South Padre Island.
The defunct bridge will be transformed into one of Texas’ largest artificial reefs. The $9.2 million project addresses public safety concerns while creating marine habitat 10 miles offshore. It represents years of coordination between state agencies to repurpose hazardous infrastructure.
“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,” Commissioner Buckingham said in a news release. “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 General Land Office partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, AECOM Technical Services, and Callan Marine LTD. Work began after the construction contract was awarded in May 2025.
The artificial reef will sit approximately 10.1 miles from the Brownsville Ship Channel entrance jetties. Bridge materials will provide habitat for marine fish and invertebrate species.
“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,” Buckingham said. She thanked project partners for “their dedication to this essential project.”
Multiple GLO divisions coordinated the effort since 2021, including Coastal Resources and Construction Services. The completed reef will fall under TPWD’s Artificial Reef Program management.
“Together, we will create new fishing habitat for future Texans to enjoy,” Buckingham added.
Buckingham made history in 2022 as Texas’ first female Land Commissioner. Her office oversees disaster recovery, energy resources, public education funding, and veteran services.