The long-anticipated 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 at the city's Oct. 2. 2025, City Council meeting.

Construction is expected to begin 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 Co. Inc. was chosen to bring its 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 one of the city's most iconic destinations. 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; and

• realign walkways on the pier deck to improve circulation.

As part 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.

Bridge construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and is expected to last 24 months.

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; and

• a comprehensive wayfinding and signage program will guide visitors during construction.

Project timeline

• Utility relocation work is already under way 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 more than 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.