SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, October 2, the city of Santa Monica announced that the project to replace and upgrade the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge will break ground by the end of the year, following the construction contract approval during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Construction is expected to start in late 2025 and conclude by the end of 2027. The Pier restaurants and shops, parking and visitor access will remain open to welcome the public throughout the duration of the project.
Nationally recognized infrastructure contractor Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. was selected to bring their extensive expertise in complex bridge projects to lead the 24-month, $35 million project.
The Pier Bridge, built in 1939, connects Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier, providing access to an iconic destination. The project will result in a new bridge that is seismically upgraded, more accessible and ready to serve residents, visitors and businesses well ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
The new bridge will:
-Meet modern seismic and safety standards
-Provide a 75-year service life
-Expand sidewalks to improve pedestrian access
-Realign walkways on the Pier deck to improve circulation
As a result of the project, the historic blue Pier sign will be removed and restored. The original Pier sign is scheduled to be removed at the end of the year and stored until project completion. The refurbished sign will be reinstalled at the end of construction, elevated for improved visibility and clearance.
A temporary half scale replica of the iconic neon sign is being installed beginning this week in the middle of the Pier, adjacent to Pier Burger and near the entrance to Pacific Park.
Over the next few months, visitors and residents will have the opportunity to experience two Pier signs and say a farewell to the beloved original.
Business and visitor access during construction Bridge construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025.
To keep the Pier open and accessible:
-A temporary pedestrian bridge will connect visitors from Ocean Avenue to the Pier
-A temporary vehicular ramp will maintain access to the Pier from the beach parking lot for emergency vehicles, deliveries, and public parking
-A comprehensive wayfinding and signage program will guide visitors during construction
Project timeline
-Utility relocation work is already underway to prepare for construction.
-Replica Pier Sign installation: October 2025
-Temporary vehicle and pedestrian ramp installation: November 2025-June 2026
-Pier Sign removal and rehabilitation: January 2026-September 2027
-Bridge Demolition: June-September 2026
-Bridge Construction: July 2026-December 2027
-Pier Sign Reinstallation: September 2027
-Project completion: December 2027
The city conducted over 30 outreach meetings with Pier businesses, tenants and community stakeholders, and will continue frequent engagement throughout construction to minimize impacts and ensure clear communication.
Approximately 75 percent of the project cost — more than $30 million — is funded by the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the balance supported by local transportation funds.
For additional information and updates on the Pier Bridge Replacement Project visit:
https://www.santamonica.gov/santa-monica-pier-bridge-replacement-project.
By Danny Jones